Non-transitory computer readable storage medium, information communication device and method

ABSTRACT

A method for linking between a first information communication device and a second information communication device in wireless communication. The method includes transmitting, by the first information communication device executing any one of a station function and an access point function of wireless communication, information for a connection to the second information communication device executing the other function and storing, by the second information communication device, received information. The method also includes requesting, by the first information communication device, the second information communication device to transmit the information and storing, by the first information communication device, the received information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of theprior Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-081116, filed on Mar. 31,2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The embodiment discussed herein is directed to a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium, an information communication device and amethod.

BACKGROUND

It has been needed heretofore to set up an SSID (Service Set IDentifier)and an encryption key of an access point (hereinafter referred to as“AP”) (or a router with a built-in AP) in an information processingdevice in order for the information processing device to connect to theAP of a wireless LAN. The technologies of AOSS (AirStation One-TouchSecure System) and WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) are known as a technologyfor simplifying work on this setting (hereinafter also referred to assetup).

In AOSS, encryption keys are exchanged between an information processingdevice and an AP by use of an original encryption technology thereofupon setup to connect between devices and to perform security settings.If the information processing device temporarily connects with the AP atan early stage of the setup, the AP transmits an SSID of the same valueshared with other APs to the information processing device, and theinformation processing device sets the received SSID to perform a setupprocess. Moreover, the information processing device receives from theAP an SSID automatically generated by the AP according to the setup toset the received SSID. The information processing device connects to theAP with the SSID under normal operation to perform data communication.

In WPS, the information processing device receives an SSID automaticallygenerated by the AP and an encryption key upon setup to set the receivedSSID and encryption key. The information processing device connects tothe AP with the SSID and encryption key under normal operation toperform data communication.

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No.    2002-159053-   Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No.    2005-117247

However, in the conventional AOSS and WPS, the information processingdevice sets an SSID and an encryption key of an AP in the device itselfto connect to the AP.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of an embodiment of the invention, anon-transitory computer readable storage medium stores a program. Theprogram causes a computer to execute a process including transmittinginformation used for a connection of wireless communication, theinformation being of the information communication device executing anyone of a station function and an access point function of wirelesscommunication, to other information communication device executing theother function at request of the other information communication deviceto transmit the information; and requesting the other informationcommunication device to transmit the information of the otherinformation communication device when receiving a notification ofreceipt of the transmitted information from the other informationcommunication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an outline of connection operation in asetup mode;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of an outline of connection operation in aquick mode;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of aPC-mobile phone link system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of alink unit;

FIG. 5A is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of an SSID atthe time of shipping;

FIG. 5B is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of an SSIDafter being changed by the user;

FIG. 5C is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of a setup-modeSSID (without a passkey);

FIG. 5D is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of a setup-modeSSID (with a passkey);

FIG. 5E is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of a quick-modeSSID (without a passkey);

FIG. 5F is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of a quick-modeSSID (with a passkey);

FIG. 6A illustrates a processing sequence in the setup mode according tothe embodiment;

FIG. 6B illustrates the processing sequence in the setup mode accordingto the embodiment;

FIG. 6C illustrates the processing sequence in the setup mode accordingto the embodiment;

FIG. 7A is an exemplary illustration of a mobile phone link selectionscreen;

FIG. 7B is an exemplary illustration of a standby screen for aconnection from a mobile phone;

FIG. 7C is an exemplary illustration of a PC link selection screen;

FIG. 7D is an exemplary illustration of a PC link start screen;

FIG. 7E is an exemplary illustration of a screen for searching an AP;

FIG. 7F is an exemplary illustration of a device selection screen;

FIG. 7G is an exemplary illustration of a linking-with-mobile phonescreen;

FIG. 7H is an exemplary illustration of a linking-with-PC screen;

FIG. 8 illustrates a setup sequence;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of profileinformation;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sequence of device link connection processing;

FIG. 11A is an exemplary illustration of a mobile phone link screen;

FIG. 11B is an exemplary illustration of a PC link screen;

FIG. 11C is an exemplary illustration of a screen displayed on a PC in alink connection state;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of a settinginformation file;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a processing procedure for transmitting datato a plurality of PCs;

FIG. 14 illustrates a sequence of the Internet connection processing;

FIG. 15 is an exemplary illustration of a communicating-in-AP-modescreen;

FIG. 16A illustrates a processing sequence in the quick mode accordingto the embodiment;

FIG. 16B illustrates the processing sequence in the quick mode accordingto the embodiment;

FIG. 16C illustrates the processing sequence in the quick mode accordingto the embodiment;

FIG. 16D illustrates the processing sequence in the quick mode accordingto the embodiment;

FIG. 16E illustrates the processing sequence in the quick mode accordingto the embodiment;

FIG. 17A is an exemplary illustration of a direct reception startscreen;

FIG. 17B is an exemplary illustration of a file reception screen;

FIG. 17C is an exemplary illustration of an away-from-home mode screen;

FIG. 17D is an exemplary illustration of a file selection screen;

FIG. 17E is an exemplary illustration of a transmission destinationselection screen;

FIG. 18 illustrates a software configuration;

FIG. 19 illustrates a hardware configuration of a mobile phone; and

FIG. 20 illustrates a hardware configuration of a PC.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained withreference to accompanying drawings. In the embodiment, informationcommunication devices indicate PCs and mobile phones, which have awireless LAN (Local Area Network) function. These devices are examplesof the information communication devices, and the present invention isnot limited by the embodiment.

Embodiment

Firstly, with regard to a link between information communication devicesaccording to the embodiment, a description will be given of connectionoperation being prerequisite for linking. The connection operation beingprerequisite for linking includes a “setup mode” and a “quick mode.” The“setup mode” is an operating mode used when mutually registering an SSID(Service Set Identifier) used under “normal operation” and deviceinformation between information communication devices afterauthentication, and connecting to a network at all times under normaloperation. Here, the “normal operation” indicates performing datacommunication in a normal wireless LAN environment. Moreover, the“setup” indicates a setting process for enabling the normal operationbetween information communication devices. The setting process includes,for example, an authentication and registration process. The “quickmode” is an operating mode used when information communication devices,both of which do not belong to a network, temporarily connect to thenetwork. When a connection to a network is made in the quick mode, forexample, data may be temporarily transmitted and received between theinformation communication devices. Incidentally, the wireless LANenvironment in the embodiment adopts, for example, Wi-Fi (WirelessFidelity), but is not limited to this. Moreover, in the wirelesscommunication, an SSID is an access point identifier given to identifyan access point. Moreover, an SSID used under normal operation is anexample of a first access point identifier. Moreover, an SSID used undernormal operation is an example of a third access point identifier.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an outline of connection operation inthe setup mode. In the example of FIG. 1, a description will be given ofa case where a personal computer (PC) a operates as an access point, anda mobile phone c operates as a station (client device). As depicted inFIG. 1, “FFFFFFFF-xxxxxxxxxxxx” is set for the PC a as an SSID fornormal operation. Moreover, the PC a is categorized as a laptop PC.

Under such a condition, a PC b sets an SSID for normal operation toconnect with the PC a being an access point. At this time, the mobilephone c being a station is assumed to be in a state unconnected with thePC a.

The mobile phone c then attempts to connect with the PC a being anaccess point in the setup mode. At this time, the PC a being an accesspoint adds to the SSID for normal operation an identifier in accordancewith the presence or absence of a passkey indicating a password used fora network construction process and authentication and the category ofthe device itself. Here, the PC a adds to the SSID for normal operationan identifier in accordance with the setup mode, no passkey, and alaptop PC. In other words, the PC a changes the SSID to a new SSID forconnection operation where “

” indicating the setup mode, “R” indicating no passkey, “N” indicating alaptop PC, and a delimiter, “_” are added to the SSID for normaloperation, “FFFFFFFF-xxxxxxxxxxxx.” The PC a then connects with themobile phone c by use of the SSID for connection operation. While the PCa is performing the connection operation with the mobile phone c, the PCb in a state of having been connected with the PC a is disconnected fromthe PC a since the SSID of the PC a was changed. An SSID for the setupmode is an example of a second access point identifier. Moreover, anSSID for the setup mode is an example of a fourth access pointidentifier.

Furthermore, after the connection between the PC a and the mobile phonec is established (the setup is complete), the PC a returns from the SSIDfor connection operation to the SSID for normal operation to performnormal operation. On the other hand, the mobile phone c retrieves theSSID for normal operation from the SSID used by the PC a duringconnection operation based on the above-described SSID generation logicto perform normal operation, and searches an access point by use of theSSID to establish a connection with the PC a being an access pointindicated by the SSID. Moreover, since the PC a returns to the SSID fornormal operation, the PC b, which has been disconnected from the PC a,finds the SSID of the PC a through the process of searching an accesspoint to reconnect with the PC a by use of the SSID.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of an outline of connection operation inthe quick mode. In the example of FIG. 2, a description will be given ofa case where the PC a operates as an access point, and the mobile phonec operates as a station as in FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 2,“FFFFFFFF-xxxxxxxxxxxx” is set as an SSID for normal operation in the PCa. Moreover, the PC a is categorized as a laptop PC.

Under such a condition, the PC b sets the SSID for normal operation toconnect with the PC a being an access point. At this time, the mobilephone c being a station is assumed to be in a state unconnected with thePC a.

The mobile phone c then attempts to connect with the PC a being anaccess point in the quick mode. At this time, the PC a being an accesspoint adds to the SSID for normal operation an identifier in accordancewith the network construction process, the presence or absence of apasskey and the category of the device itself. Here, the PC a adds tothe SSID for normal operation an identifier in accordance with the quickmode, no passkey, and a laptop PC. In other words, the PC a changes theSSID to a new SSID for quick mode where “!” indicating the quick mode,“R” indicating no passkey, “N” indicating a laptop PC, and a delimiter,“_” are added to the SSID for normal operation, “FFFFFFFF-xxxxxxxxxxxx”.The PC a then performs the operation of connection with the mobile phonec by use of the SSID for the quick mode, and receives data transmittedfrom the mobile phone c after the connection is established. While thePC a is performing the connection operation with and receiving data fromthe mobile phone c, the PC b in a state connected with the PC a isdisconnected from the PC a since the SSID of the PC a has been changed.The SSID for the quick mode is an example of a second access pointidentifier. Moreover, the SSID for the quick mode is an example of afourth access point identifier.

Furthermore, after the PC a receives the data transmitted from themobile phone c, the PC a returns from the SSID for the quick mode to theSSID for the normal operation to return to a state before the quickmode. The mobile phone b then disconnects the communication with the PCa. Therefore, the PC b, which has been disconnected from the PC a, findsthe SSID of the PC a through the process of searching an access point toreconnect with the PC a by use of the SSID.

Configuration of PC—Mobile Phone Link System According to Embodiment

Next, a description will be given of a configuration of a PC-mobilephone link system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functionalblock diagram of a configuration of the PC-mobile phone link system 1according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 3, the PC-mobile phonelink system 1 includes n number of PCs 2 and one mobile phone 3, andlinks between the n number of PCs 2 and the one mobile phone 3. Here,“linking” indicates to mutually exchange data such as pictures andmoving images.

Each of the PCs 2 includes a WLAN unit 21, a link unit 22, an inputcontroller 23, and a display controller 24. The n number of PCs 2 hasthese units respectively.

The WLAN unit 21 communicates by a wireless LAN, and here communicateswith a WLAN unit 31 of the mobile phone 3. The WLAN unit 21 has an APunit 211 for causing the WLAN unit 21 to function as an access point inwireless LAN communication and an STA unit 212 for causing the WLAN unit21 to function as a station (client device) in wireless LANcommunication.

The link unit 22 links with another information communication device byuse of the WLAN unit 21, and here, links with a link unit 32 of themobile phone 3. The details of the link unit 22 will be described later.

The input controller 23 accepts data that the user inputs with an inputdevice such as a mouse and a keyboard to pass the accepted data to thelink unit 22. The display controller 24 displays the data outputted bythe link unit 22 on a display device.

The mobile phone 3 includes the WLAN unit 31, the link unit 32, awireless controller 33, an input controller 34, a display controller 35,a call controller 36, a microphone controller 37, a call recorder 38, atelephone directory recorder 39, and a location detection controller 3a.

The WLAN unit 31 communicates by a wireless LAN, and here, communicateswith the WLAN units 21 of the n number of PCs 2. The WLAN unit 31 has anAP unit 311 for causing the WLAN unit 31 to function as an access pointin wireless LAN communication and an STA unit 312 for causing the WLANunit 31 to function as a station (client device) in wireless LANcommunication.

The link unit 32 links with another information communication device byuse of the WLAN unit 31, and here, links with the link units 22 of the nnumber of PCs 2. The details of the link unit 32 will be describedlater.

The wireless controller 33 performs audio communication and datacommunication by radio with, for example, another mobile phone, afixed-line phone, and a computer installed by a mobile phone serviceprovider. The input controller 34 accepts data that the user inputs withan input device such as a button to pass the accepted data to the linkunit 32. The display controller 35 displays the data outputted by thelink unit 32 on a display device.

The call controller 36 controls, for example, the connection, release,and monitoring of a call. The microphone controller 37 controls amicrophone used for a call, and the call recorder 38 records a call. Thetelephone directory recorder 39 manages a telephone directory, and thelocation detection controller 3 a exerts control over the detection ofthe location of the mobile phone 3.

Configuration of Link Unit

Next, a description will be given of configurations of the link units 22and 32. The link unit 32 has a similar configuration to that of the linkunit 22; accordingly, a description will be given here taking the linkunit 22 as an example. In other words, a description will be giventaking a case where the link unit 22 of the PC 2 links with the mobilephone 3 as another information communication device as an example. FIG.4 is a functional block diagram of a configuration of the link unit 22.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the link unit 22 has a setup unit 221, a devicelink unit 222, an Internet connection unit 223, a quick connection unit224, a link data storage 225, a GUI unit 226, a device selection unit227, and a controller 228.

The setup unit 221 performs mutual authentication and registration withanother information communication device that has not been authenticatedand registered, and here, performs mutual authentication andregistration with the mobile phone 3. The details of the setup unit 221will be described later.

The device link unit 222 links with an information communication devicethat has mutually been authenticated and registered, and here links withthe mobile phone 3. The details of the device link unit 222 will bedescribed later.

The Internet connection unit 223 enables access to the Internet using 3Gcommunication (third generation communication) from an informationcommunication device that is not connected to a network in cooperationwith another information communication device in a linkable state. Here,the Internet connection unit 223 connects the PC 2 to the Internet byuse of a 3G communication function that the mobile phone 3 has in a casewhere the PC 2 is not connected to a network, such as outdoors. Thedetails of the Internet connection unit 223 will be described later.

The quick connection unit 224 temporarily links with another informationcommunication device without advance authentication and registration,and here, temporarily links with the mobile phone 3. The details of thequick connection unit 224 will be described later.

The link data storage 225 stores data needed to link with anotherinformation communication device, and stores, for example, the SSID forthe case where the device itself operates as an AP, an SSID of anotherinformation communication device that has mutually been authenticatedand registered, an encryption key, device information, and settinginformation. Here, the link data storage 225 stores the SSID for thecase where the PC 2 operates as, for example, an AP, the SSID of themobile phone 3, an encryption key, device information, and settinginformation. If there is a plurality of information communicationdevices that have mutually been authenticated and registered, the linkdata storage 225 stores, for example, SSIDs, device information, anencryption key, and setting information for each informationcommunication device. Moreover, the details of an SSID will be describedlater.

The GUI unit 226 interacts with the user by a GUI (Graphical UserInterface). Here, the GUI unit 226 receives data inputted by the userfrom the input controller 23 to pass the data to the controller 228, andreceives display data from the controller 228 to pass the display datato the display controller 24.

If there is a plurality of other information communication devices thathave mutually been authenticated and registered, the device selectionunit 227 displays information on the plurality of devices to cause theuser to select a link target device. In the PC-mobile phone link system1, even if a plurality of mobile phones 3 has been authenticated andregistered in a linkable manner, the number of mobile phones 3 withwhich the PC 2 can simultaneously connect is one so as to prevent anunintended link between the mobile phone 3 and the PC 2. In other words,the communication between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 is performedone to one. Therefore, if the PC 2 links with a plurality of mobilephones 3, the PC 2 selects the mobile phones 3 in turn to link with eachmobile phone 3. Similarly, if the mobile phone 3 links with a pluralityof PCs 2, the mobile phone 3 selects the PCs 2 in turn to link with eachPC 2.

The controller 228 controls the entire link unit 22, or specifically,performs things such as moving the control between the function unitsand passing data between the function unit and the storage to cause thewhole to function as the link unit 22.

Example of Data Structure of SSID

Next, a description will be given of the details of an SSID withreference to FIGS. 5A to 5F. In FIGS. 5A to 5F, a “PC-NB” denotes alaptop-type personal computer, and a “PC-DT” denotes a desktop-typepersonal computer.

FIG. 5A is an explanatory illustration of a data structure of an SSID atthe time of shipping a device. An SSID at the time of shipping a devicehas a 1- to 15-character device name, “_” (underscore), and a12-character MAC address in any of a PC-NB, a PC-DT, and a mobile phone,and the total number of characters is 14 to 28.

FIG. 5B is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of an SSIDafter being changed by the user. The SSID after being changed by theuser is an ASCII character string unique to the user, the string having1 to 28 characters, in any of a PC-NB, a PC-DT, and a mobile phone.

FIG. 5C is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of a setup-modeSSID (without a passkey). The SSID (without a passkey) for the setupmode is one where “

RN”, “

RD” or “

RM” and “_” (underscore) are added to the head of the SSID for normaloperation. “

RN” is added in a case of a PC-NB, “

RD” in a case of a PC-DT, and “

RM” in a case of a mobile phone. “

” indicates that an information communication device operating as anaccess point is in the setup mode, “R” without a passkey, “N” alaptop-type personal computer, “D” a desktop-type personal computer, and“M” a mobile phone. Four characters are added to the head of the SSIDfor normal operation; accordingly, the total number of characters is 5to 32.

FIG. 5D is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of a setup-modeSSID (with a passkey). The SSID (with a passkey) for the setup mode isone where “

FN”, “

FD” or “

FM” and “_” (underscore) are added to the head of the SSID for normaloperation. “

FN” is added in a case of a PC-NB, “

FD” in a case of a PC-DT, and “

FM” in a case of a mobile phone. “F” indicates with a passkey. Fourcharacters are added to the head of the SSID for normal operation;accordingly, the total number of characters is 5 to 32.

FIG. 5E is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of a quick-modeSSID (without a passkey). The SSID (without a passkey) for the quickmode is one where “!RN”, “!RD” or “!RM” and “_” (underscore) are addedto the head of the SSID for normal operation. “!RN” is added in a caseof a PC-NB, “!RD” in a case of a PC-DT, and “!RM” in a case of a mobilephone. “!” indicates that an information communication device operatingas an access point is in the quick mode. Four characters are added tothe head of the SSID for normal operation; accordingly, the total numberof characters is 5 to 32.

FIG. 5F is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of a quick-modeSSID (with a passkey). The SSID (with a passkey) for the quick mode isone where “!FN”, “!FD” or “!FM” and “_” (underscore) are added to thehead of the SSID for normal operation. “!FN” is added in a case of aPC-NB, “!FD” in a case of a PC-DT, and “!FM” in a case of a mobilephone. Four characters are added to the head of the SSID for normaloperation; accordingly, the total number of characters is 5 to 32.

Processing Sequence in Setup Mode

Next, a description will be given of processing in the setup modebetween the setup unit 221 of the PC 2 and a setup unit of the mobilephone 3. The setup unit of the mobile phone 3 is set in the following tobe a setup unit 321 corresponding to the setup unit 221. Moreover, alink data storage of the mobile phone 3 is set to be a link data storage325 corresponding to the link data storage 225. FIGS. 6A to 6Cillustrate a processing sequence in the setup mode between the setupunit 221 of the PC 2 and the setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3. It isassumed in FIGS. 6A to 6C that authentication and registration have notyet been mutually performed between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3, anda mobile phone link is selected by the user in the PC 2, and a mobilephone link selection screen depicted in FIG. 7A is displayed on thescreen of the PC 2. Moreover, with regard to the mobile phone 3 to linkwith, it is assumed that the user turns on the mobile phone 3 and that apersonal computer link selection screen depicted in FIG. 7C is displayedon the screen of the mobile phone 3. Moreover, wireless communicationbetween the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 is performed via the WLAN units21 and 31.

Firstly, the setup unit 221 of the PC 2 checks the presence or absenceof mobile phones registered by the mobile phone link (Step S101). Here,a description will be given of a case where a mobile phone has not beenregistered. When the user presses an automatic setting start button withan input device (Step S102), the setup unit 221 starts the setup mode.

The setup unit 221 of the PC 2 thereupon adds “

RN” or “

RD” to the head of the SSID for normal operation to generate a new SSID,namely a setup-mode SSID (Step S103). In other words, the setup unit 221adds “

RN” in a case where the PC 2 is a PC-NB and “

RD” in a case where the PC 2 is a PC-DT to generate the setup-mode SSID.The SSID for normal operation is preset at the time of shipping;however, the SSID is changeable to an SSID at the user's discretion fromthe mobile phone link selection screen to be described later.

Next, the setup unit 221 of the PC 2 automatically generates anencryption key with the setup-mode SSID on specific conditions (StepS104). The setup unit 221 then requests the WLAN unit 21 to activate theAP unit 211 (indicated as AP in FIGS. 6A and 6B) (Step S105). Here, asan example of the AP unit 211, SoftAP conducting itself as an accesspoint (AP) of a wireless LAN in conformity with IEEE 802.11 may beadopted. SoftAP implements the function as an AP with software.

The WLAN unit 21 that has been requested to activate the AP unit 211then activates the AP unit 211 (indicated as AP in FIG. 6) to notify thesetup unit 221 of the completion of activating the AP unit 211 (StepS106). The setup unit 221 thereupon displays a screen indicating standbystate for a connection from the mobile phone 3 (Step S107). At thistime, the setup unit 221 notifies the AP unit 211 to execute the setupmode (Step S108) and receives an ACK (ACKnowledgement) from the AP unit211 (Step S109).

On the other hand, when the user selects a personal computer link withan input device (Step S110), the setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3displays a personal computer link start screen prompting an automaticconnection of the mobile phone link from the PC 2 side. At this time,the setup unit 321 instructs the WLAN unit 31 to activate the STA unit312. When the user of the PC 2 presses an OK button with an input device(Step S111), the setup unit 321 then starts a search for already-startedPCs to start the setup mode (Step S112).

The setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 then sets a timeout period andinstructs the WLAN unit 31 to search a PC that has already been startedand operates as an AP (Steps S113 and S114). The WLAN unit 31 executesthe search after receiving the instruction from the setup unit 321 (StepS115). In other words, the STA unit 312 of the WLAN unit 31 transmits aProbe request (Step S116), and in this example, receives a Proberesponse from the PC 2 to operate as an AP (Step S117). A PC operatingas an AP is also referred to as a PC-AP in the following description.Here, if there exist other APs in operation (including other PC-APs,mobile phones to operate as APs, and AP-specific devices other thanthese, and routers having an AP function) within the search range, theSTA unit 312 of the WLAN unit 31 receives Probe responses from thoseAPs. In this manner, the STA unit 312 acquires a search result (StepS118). In short, the STA unit 312 may acquire one SSID or a plurality ofSSIDs as a search result. Whenever receiving a Probe response, the STAunit 312 of the WLAN unit 31 informs the setup unit 321 of a searchresult.

The setup unit 321 then extracts a setup-mode SSID(s) beginning with “

RN” or “

RD” from the search result acquired from the STA unit 312 of the WLANunit 31 within the above set timeout period (Step S119). In other words,the setup unit 321 extracts only a PC-AP(s) being in the setup mode.

The setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 then displays a deviceselection screen indicating an extracted PC-AP(s) (a device(s) with apossibility of connection to the mobile phone 3) (Step S120). If thereis a plurality of PC-APs, the setup unit 321 selects a device (PC-AP) toconnect with based on the user's instruction on the device selectionscreen by an input device (Step S121). If only one PC-AP is extracted,the setup unit 321 selects the PC-AP.

Next, the setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 automatically generatesan encryption key with the setup-mode SSID of the selected device onspecific conditions (Step S122). The specific conditions are the samealgorithm as that of the specific conditions used when automaticallygenerating the encryption key in the PC 2. The setup unit 321 then holdson a link data storage 326 the setup-mode SSID, the automaticallygenerated encryption key, device information (profile information) inthe setup mode of the selected device.

The setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 then informs a connectionrequest to which the generated encryption key is added and to be in thesetup mode to the PC 2 through the WLAN unit 31 (Step S123). The WLANunit 31 of the mobile phone 3 and the WLAN unit 21 of the PC 2 thereuponstart communication, perform authentication with the encryption key, andestablish communication after being authenticated. The WLAN unit 21 ofthe PC 2 then informs the setup unit 221 of the establishment ofcommunication (Step S124). Moreover, the WLAN unit 31 of the mobilephone 3 informs the setup unit 321 of the establishment of communication(Step S125). Accordingly, the authentication between the PC 2 and themobile phone 3 has been made.

If the authentication has been made between the PC 2 and the mobilephone 3, the setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 and the setup unit 221of the PC 2 authenticate and register each other (Step S126). As aresult of the authentication and registration, the setup unit 321 of themobile phone 3 is to hold on the link data storage 325 the profileinformation under normal operation of the PC 2 being the party at theother end of a communication channel. The details of the authenticationand registration of the setup units 221 and 321 will be described later.

After the authentication and registration, the setup unit 221 of the PC2 instructs the WLAN unit 21 to deactivate the AP unit 211 (Step S127),and receives a deactivation completion notification from the WLAN unit21 that has deactivated the AP unit 211 (Step S128). Accordingly, thecommunication between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 is disconnected.

On the other hand, after the authentication and registration, the setupunit 321 of the mobile phone 3 deletes the profile information in thesetup mode, the setup-mode SSID and the encryption key (Step S129). Thesetup unit 321 then confirms the disconnection of radio (Step S130).After confirming the disconnection of radio, the setup unit 321 sets atimeout period for a search process to search the PC 2 (Step S131). Thesetup unit 321 then deactivates the STA unit 312 through the WLAN unit31 (Step S132) to receive a deactivation completion notification fromthe WLAN unit 31 (Step S133).

The setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 then conducts a search for theSSID for normal operation of the PC 2 that the mobile phone 3 hasauthenticated and registered in the above to establish communicationwith the PC 2 (Step S134). The setup unit 321 instructs the WLAN unit 31to conduct a search, and the WLAN unit 31 executes a search inaccordance with the instruction (Step S135). In other words, the STAunit 312 of the WLAN unit 31 transmits a Probe request (Step S136) andinforms the setup unit 321 of a probe response received within apredetermined time as a search result (Step S137). This example shows acase where the AP unit 211 of the PC 2 in the setup mode in the above isnot in a normal operation state by the time of the transmission of theprobe request. Therefore, here, the setup unit 321 is unable torecognize the relevant SSID for normal operation in the search resultreceived from the STA unit 312 of the WLAN unit 31, and the search forthe SSID for normal operation becomes invalid (Step S138). The setupunit 321 determines whether or not the SSID for normal operation being asearch target is included in the search result by use of the SSID of thePC 2, which is included in the profile information acquired upon theauthentication and registration in Step S126 and stored on the link datastorage 325.

On the other hand, in the PC 2, after the communication with the mobilephone 3 is disconnected, a process of shifting the AP unit 211 to anormal operation state is performed independently of the above processof the mobile phone 3. After the deactivation of the AP unit 211 iscompleted, the setup unit 221 of the PC 2 returns to the SSID for normaloperation and the encryption key for normal operation (Step S140). Thesetup unit 221 then requests the WLAN unit 21 to activate the AP unit211 (Step S141). The WLAN unit 21, which has been requested to activatethe AP unit 211, then activates the AP unit 211 and informs the setupunit 221 of the completion of activating the AP unit 211 (Step S142).The setup unit 221 then instructs the AP unit 211 to execute normaloperation (Step S143) to receive an ACK from the AP unit 211, which hasturned to normal operation (Step S144).

In response to a fact that the search result is invalid in the abovesearch process, the setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 retries asearch for the PC with the SSID for normal operation (Step S139). Thesetup unit 321 instructs the WLAN unit 31 to conduct a search asdescribed above, and the WLAN unit 31 executes a search again inaccordance with the instruction (Step S145). In other words, the STAunit 312 of the WLAN unit 31 transmits a Probe request (Step S146). Inresponse to the Probe request, the AP unit 211 of the PC 2 that hasturned to normal operation informs a Probe response to the WLAN unit 31of the mobile phone 3 (Step S147). The Probe response from the AP unit211 of the PC 2 includes the SSID for normal operation of the PC 2. TheSTA unit 312 of the WLAN unit 31 informs the setup unit 321 of the Proberesponse received within the predetermined time as a search result (StepS148). At this time, the search result includes the SSID for normaloperation of the PC 2. If the search result obtained through the processof retrying a search is invalid, the process of retrying a search isrepeated as long as within the timeout period set in Step S131.

The setup unit 321, which has acquired the search result from the STAunit 312 of the WLAN unit 31, detects the SSID for normal operation fromthe search result (Step S149). Here, if there is a plurality of the sameSSIDs used under normal operation, the setup unit 321 discriminates thePC performing normal operation by use of a MAC address included in theprofile information under normal operation.

The setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 then informs a connectionrequest to which the encryption key for normal operation is addedthrough the WLAN unit 31 (Step S150). The WLAN unit 31 of the mobilephone 3 and the WLAN unit 21 of the PC 2 then start communication,perform authentication with the encryption key, and establishcommunication after being authenticated. The WLAN unit 21 of the PC 2then informs the setup unit 221 of the establishment of communication(Step S151). The setup unit 221 then displays on the PC 2 a screenindicating being in connection by the mobile phone link.

Moreover, the WLAN unit 31 of the mobile phone 3 informs the setup unit321 of the establishment of communication (Step S152). The setup unit321 then displays on the mobile phone 3 a screen indicating being inconnection by the personal computer link. Accordingly, the PC 2 and themobile phone 3 have been connected by a network under normal operation.

Example of Screen Used in Processing Sequence in Setup Mode

FIG. 7A is an exemplary illustration of the mobile phone link selectionscreen. As depicted in FIG. 7A, when mobile phone link is selected inthe PC 2, the PC 2 displays the automatic setting start button toautomatically perform setup between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3.Furthermore, the PC 2 displays a text box for changing the SSID fornormal operation to the SSID at the user's discretion. In FIG. 7A, thePC 2 is configured so as to be able to set the SSID at the user'sdiscretion.

FIG. 7B is an exemplary illustration of a standby screen for aconnection from the mobile phone. As depicted in FIG. 7B, for linkingwith the mobile phone, the PC 2 displays on the PC 2 a message “in astandby state for a connection from the mobile phone”, prompting toactivate the link unit 32 by the mobile phone 3.

FIG. 7C is an exemplary illustration of a PC link selection screen. Asdepicted in FIG. 7C, when turning on the mobile phone 3, the mobilephone 3 displays an icon for activating the link unit 32.

FIG. 7D is an exemplary illustration of a PC link start screen. Asdepicted in FIG. 7D, for linking with the PC, the mobile phone 3displays a message prompting to activate the link unit 22 by the PC 2and an OK button to let the user to start the PC link after activatingthe link unit 22 by the PC 2.

FIG. 7E is an exemplary illustration of a screen for searching an AP. Asdepicted in FIG. 7E, the mobile phone 3 displays a searching screenduring a search for a PC to operate as an AP.

FIG. 7F is an exemplary illustration of a device selection screen. Asdepicted in FIG. 7F, after searching a PC to operate as an AP, themobile phone 3 displays connectable devices being a search result andalso displays automatic connection buttons for letting the user toselect a device for each device.

FIG. 7G is an exemplary illustration of a linking-with-mobile phonescreen. As depicted in FIG. 7G, after returning to the SSID for normaloperation and then reestablishing communication with the mobile phone 3,the PC 2 displays a screen indicating being in connection with themobile phone 3 by the mobile phone link.

FIG. 7H is an exemplary illustration of a linking-with-PC screen. Asdepicted in FIG. 7H, after reestablishing communication with the PC 2 bythe SSID for normal operation, the mobile phone 3 displays a screenindicating being in connection with the PC 2 by the PC link.

Sequence of Setup Process

Next, a description will be given of the sequence of the setup processin S126 in FIG. 6B with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 illustrates a setupsequence. In FIG. 8, a description will be given assuming that the PC 2operates as an access point (AP) and the mobile phone 3 as a station(STA). Moreover, the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 are assumed to haveestablished communication by use of the setup-mode SSID and haveperformed authentication.

As depicted in FIG. 8, the setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3transmits a setup (authentication and registration) start request to thePC 2 (Step S201), and when accepting the setup start request, the setupunit 221 of the PC 2 transmits to the mobile phone 3 a setup startresponse as a response to the setup start request (Step S202).

When receiving the setup start response, the setup unit 321 of themobile phone 3 transmits to the PC 2 a request to update deviceinformation and wireless LAN information (step S203). After receivingthe update request and performing preparation for the transmission ofthe device information and the wireless LAN information, the setup unit221 of the PC 2 transmits to the mobile phone 3 an update response as aresponse to the update request (Step S204). When receiving the updateresponse, the setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 then transmits to thePC 2 a request to acquire the device information and the wireless LANinformation (Step S205). The setup unit 221 of the PC 2 transmits to themobile phone 3 the device and wireless LAN information of the deviceitself as a response to the acquisition request (Step S206). Here, thedevice information means profile information to be described later.Moreover, the wireless LAN information means information including theSSID for normal operation and the encryption key for normal operation.

The setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 then receives the device andwireless LAN information transmitted from the PC 2, transmits to the PC2 a receipt completion notification to inform that the reception wascompleted properly (Step S207), and stores the SSID, encryption key, anddevice information of the PC 2 on the link data storage 325.

The setup unit 221 of the PC 2, which has received the receiptcompletion notification, transmits to the mobile phone 3 a request toupdate the device information and the wireless LAN information (stepS208). After receiving the update request and performing preparation forthe transmission of the device and wireless LAN information of thedevice itself, the setup unit 321 of the mobile phone 3 transmits to thePC 2 an update response as a response to the update request (Step S209).When receiving the update response, the setup unit 221 of the PC 2 thentransmits to the mobile phone 3 a request to acquire the device andwireless LAN information (Step S210). The setup unit 321 of the mobilephone 3 transmits to the PC 2 the device and wireless LAN information inthe device itself as a response to the acquisition request (Step S211).

The setup unit 221 of the PC 2 then receives the device and wireless LANinformation transmitted from the mobile phone 3, transmits to the mobilephone 3 a receipt completion notification to inform that the receptionwas completed properly (Step S212), and stores the SSID, encryption key,and device information of the mobile phone 3 on the link data storage225.

The setup unit 221 of the PC 2 subsequently transmits a setuptermination request to the mobile phone 3 (Step S213). The setup unit321 of the mobile phone 3 receives the setup termination request totransmit to the PC 2 a setup termination response as a response thereto(Step S214). As a result, the mutual setup, namely authentication andregistration, between the mobile phone 3 and the PC 2 terminates.

From the start of the setup to the termination of the setup, wirelessLAN connectivity may be lost or an unexpected error may occur. In thesecases, the setup has not completely terminated; accordingly, it issufficient if the setup units 221 and 321 destroy the device andwireless LAN information that has received during the setup.

Example of Data Structure of Profile Information

FIG. 9 is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of profileinformation. As depicted in FIG. 9, the profile information stores aversion number, a model, a MAC address, hardware information, anindividual function, and a link function. Version information of thelink units 22 and 32 in their respective devices is stored in theversion number. Category information of the device itself is stored inthe model. For example, the discrimination between the laptop-typepersonal computer, the desktop-type personal computer, and the mobilephone is stored in the model. It is sufficient if a content of the modelis determined as appropriate in accordance with the category of thedevice. MAC address information of the device itself is stored in theMAC address. Information on the number of pixels regarding a liquidcrystal display (LCD) and camera information, for example, is stored inthe hardware information. The presence or absence of support for WOL(Wake On LAN) is stored in the individual information. Information onthe presence or absence of support for the link functions is stored inthe link functions. The profile information is stored per device on thelink data storages 225 and 325 provided for their respective devices,and is stored, for example, at the time of shipping.

In this manner, the setup unit 221 of the PC 2 and the setup unit 321 ofthe mobile phone 3 handshake before the transmission and reception ofdata. In other words, the setup units 221 and 321 mutually register theprofile and wireless LAN information of a device at the other end of acommunication channel before the transmission and reception of data.Therefore, the setup units 221 and 321 enable a simple connection evenif the functions as an AP and a station are interchanged in the future.

In the embodiment, the description was given assuming that the PC 2 isoperated as an access point (AP) and the mobile phone 3 as a station(STA). However, the mobile phone 3 may operate as an AP and the PC 2 asan STA.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the mobile phone 3 on the STA side is setto transmit to the PC 2 on the AP side a request to acquire deviceinformation and wireless LAN information first. However, the PC 2 on theAP side may transmit to the mobile phone 3 on the STA side a request toacquire device information and wireless LAN information first withoutbeing limited to the above.

Sequence of Device Link Connection Processing

Next, a description will be given of device link connection processingbetween the device link unit 222 of the PC 2 and a device link unit ofthe mobile phone 3. The device link unit of the mobile phone 3 is set inthe following to be a device link unit 322 corresponding to the devicelink unit 222 of the PC 2. FIG. 10 illustrates a sequence of device linkconnection processing between the device link unit 222 of the PC 2 andthe device link unit 322 of the mobile phone 3.

It is assumed in FIG. 10 that the authentication and registration hasmutually been performed between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 and thatthe PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 have selected the mobile phone 3 and thePC 2 to link with, respectively. Moreover, it is assumed that the userhas selected a mobile phone link function in the PC 2, and a mobilephone link screen is being displayed on the screen of the PC 2. FIG. 11Ais an exemplary illustration of the mobile phone link screen. Asdepicted in FIG. 11A, for example, the SSID of the mobile phone 3 isdisplayed on the mobile phone link screen. Immediately after theactivation of the mobile phone link screen (the device link unit 222),the SSID of the mobile phone 3 that connected in the previous executionof the mobile phone link function is displayed. In other words, when thelink function is executed, the mobile phone link function works to storeon the link data storage 225 information indicating a device at theother end to have connected with by the execution, reads the informationfrom the link data storage 225 upon next activation, and displaysinformation of the mobile phone 3 indicated by the information on themobile phone link screen. Moreover, after the mobile phone link screen(the device link unit 222) is activated, the sequence of device linkconnection processing (Step S301) in FIG. 10 starts being executed,setting the mobile phone 3 displayed on the mobile phone link screen asa link target device. The user may change the mobile phone 3 to connectwith from this screen to execute the mobile phone link processing. Here,it is assumed that the link unit 32 is unactivated in the mobile phone 3to link with. Wireless communication between the PC 2 and the mobilephone 3 is effected through the WLAN units 21 and 31.

As depicted in FIG. 10, the device link unit 222 searches the selectedmobile phone 3 to connect with (Step S301). At this point, the link unit32 of the mobile phone 3 is unactivated; accordingly, there is noresponse (Step S302) that is transmitted from the mobile phone 3 if thelink unit 32 has been activated. Moreover, if there is a response, thedevice link unit 222 checks whether or not the response is from themobile phone 3 selected in the mobile phone link (Step S303). As aresult, the device link unit 222 determines at this point that there isno response from the mobile phone 3 selected in the mobile phone link(Step S304). It is sufficient as long as the device link unit 222 is setto start the search process in Step S301 in the sequence, using the PC2's resumption from a standby state such as a sleep state and ahibernate state and startup from a shutdown state as a trigger.Moreover, it is sufficient as long as the PC 2 is resumed and startedbased on, for example, the user's manual operation of a power button ofthe PC 2 and a remote instruction (transmission message) by the mobilephone 3 via a network.

The link unit 32 is activated in the mobile phone 3 afterward, and whenthe user selects the PC link, the device link unit 322 displays a PClink screen (Step S305). Upon activation of the PC link screen (thedevice link unit 322), the SSID of the PC 2 that connected in theprevious execution of a PC link function is displayed on the mobilephone 3, too, similarly to the PC 2. In other words, when the linkfunction is executed, the PC link function stores on the link datastorage 325 information indicating a device at the other end to haveconnected with by the execution, reads the information from the linkdata storage 325 upon next activation, and displays information of thePC 2 indicated by the information on the PC link screen. Moreover, afterthe PC link screen (the device link unit 322) is activated, the sequenceof device link connection processing (Step S305) in FIG. 10 starts beingexecuted, setting the PC 2 displayed on the PC link screen as a linktarget device. FIG. 11B is an exemplary illustration of the PC linkscreen. As depicted in FIG. 11B, the mobile phone 3 displays that the PClink function is operating. Moreover, the user may change the PC 2 toconnect with from this screen to execute the PC link processing.

The device link unit 322 searches the PC 2 (Step S306). The device linkunit 222 of the PC 2 responds to the search conducted by the device linkunit 322 of the mobile phone 3 (Step S307). The device link unit 322 ofthe mobile phone 3 checks with, for example, MAC addresses whether to beconnectable to the selected PC 2 based on the response from the PC 2(Step S308). This check is carried out by comparing the MAC address ofthe PC 2 included in the response and the MAC address included in theprofile information that have already been acquired in the setupprocess, and in the case where they agree with each other, it isdetermined to be connectable. As a result, if the selected PC 2 isconnectable, the device link unit 322 transmits a PC-mobile phone linkmode notification to the selected PC 2 (Step S309). On the other hand,in the case where the selected PC 2 is not connectable, the device linkunit 322 does not transmit a PC-mobile phone link mode notification.

The device link unit 222 of the PC 2 then searches the mobile phone 3 toconnect with the selected mobile phone 3 (Step S310). The link unit 32of the mobile phone 3 has been activated. The device link unit 322 ofthe mobile phone 3 determines whether or not the information included inthe search agrees with the profile information that has already beenacquired in the setup process, and responds to the search when thesepieces of information agree with each other as the result (Step S311).The device link unit 222 of the PC 2 determines that there is a responsefrom the mobile phone 2 selected in the mobile phone link (Step S312).

When there is a response from the mobile phone 2 selected in the mobilephone link, the device link unit 222 of the PC 2 then transmits arequest to acquire a setting information file to the mobile phone 3(Step S313). The details will be described later; however, the settinginformation file includes information indicating the settings to bevalid/invalid for the respective link functions in the mobile phone 3.After receiving the setting information file acquisition request andperforming preparation for the transmission of the setting informationfile, the device link unit 322 of the mobile phone 3 transmits a settinginformation file acquisition response to the setting information fileacquisition request from the device link unit 222 of the PC 2 (StepS314). On the receipt of the setting information file acquisitionresponse, the device link unit 222 of the PC 2 then transmits to themobile phone 3 a file acquisition request for the setting informationfile (Step S315). The device link unit 322 of the mobile phone 3transmits the setting information file to the PC 2 in response to thefile acquisition request (Step S316). The device link unit 222 of the PC2 receives the setting information file transmitted from the mobilephone 3, transmits to the mobile phone 3 a PC-mobile phone linkcompletion notification to inform that the reception was completedproperly (Step S317), and displays a screen indicating a link connectionstate on the PC 2 (Step S318). The process is subsequently performed inaccordance with the valid or invalid settings of the link functions onthe mobile phone 3 side included in the setting information file, andthe device link unit 222 of the PC 2 can capture data from the mobilephone 3 based on the user's instruction.

FIG. 11C is an exemplary illustration of a screen displayed on a PC in alink connection state. As depicted in FIG. 11C, when the PC 2 and themobile phone 3 turn to the link connection state, the PC 2 displays datathat is capturable from the mobile phone 3 based on the settinginformation of the setting information file. In FIG. 11C, the PC 2 iscapturable from the mobile phone 3 data of pictures, moving images, andthe number of steps/the amount of activity.

Example of Data Structure of Setting Information File

FIG. 12 is an exemplary illustration of a data structure of the settinginformation file. As depicted in FIG. 12, the setting information filestores that each link function is valid or invalid. Here, the linkfunctions are a picture data capture function, a moving image datacapture function, and a capture function of data on the number of stepsand the amount of activity. For example, in the case where the value ofthe picture is “0”, the picture data capture function is set to invalidin the mobile phone 3, and picture data are not permitted to be capturedin the PC 2; accordingly, a button corresponding to “PICTURES” on thescreen depicted in FIG. 11C is not displayed. Moreover, in this case, inthe case where the values of the moving image and the number ofsteps/the amount of activity are “1” respectively, the functions tocapture these data are set to valid; accordingly, buttons correspondingto “MOVING IMAGES” and “NUMBER OF STEPS/AMOUNT OF ACTIVITY” aredisplayed on the screen depicted in FIG. 11C. These buttons are examplesof display objects operated by the user.

In this manner, the device link unit 222 of the PC 2 requests thesetting information file from the mobile phone 3, and the device linkunit 322 of the mobile phone 3 transmits the setting information file tothe PC 2. The device link unit 222 of the PC 2 then receives the settingfile to display functions of linking with the mobile phone 3, in otherwords, data that is capturable from the mobile phone 3, based on theinformation on the received setting information file. For example, it issufficient as long as the device link unit 222 of the PC 2 does notdisplay on the mobile phone link screen the buttons corresponding to thelink functions set to invalid on the mobile phone 3 side and displaysonly the buttons corresponding to the validated link functions.Moreover, for example, it is also sufficient as long as the device linkunit 222 of the PC 2 displays the buttons corresponding to the linkfunctions on the mobile phone link screen, does not execute the datacapture process when the buttons corresponding to the link functions setto invalid on the mobile phone 3 side are selected, and executes thedata capture process only when the buttons corresponding to the linkfunctions set to valid are selected. In this manner, the device linkunit 222 allows for prevention of the data link functions set to invalidon the data transmission side from being executed by controlling in amanner of inhibiting the execution of such link functions. Therefore,the execution of a useless process is prevented, which allows forprevention of the PC 2 from capturing data that the user on the datatransmission side does not want to transmit to the data request side.

Here, the link units 22 and 32 transmit and receive the settinginformation by wireless communication; however, the link units 22 and 32are able to transmit and receive the setting information also by wiredcommunication.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, shown was the case where the PC 2starts the search process of the mobile phone 3 in Step S301 while thelink unit 3 of the mobile phone 3 is in an unactivated state. Therefore,it is determined in Step S304 that there is no response from the mobilephone 3 selected in the mobile phone link screen of the PC 2. However,as described above, when the link unit (the device link unit 222) isactivated at the receipt of a remote instruction (transmission message)for resumption or activation from the mobile phone 3 selected on themobile phone link screen of the PC 2, the device link unit 222 is toreceive a response from the mobile phone 3 that gave the remoteinstruction in the search process upon activation. In this manner, whenan instruction from the mobile phone 3 becomes a trigger for the startof the search process by the device link unit 222, the PC 2 is to startthe processing not in Step S301 but in Step S310 in FIG. 10. Therefore,the device link unit 222 of the PC 2 turns to a state linkable with themobile phone 3 (a state capable of capturing data from the mobile phone3) immediately after activation.

Link with Multiple PCs

Next, a description will be given of a processing procedure of the linkunit 32 for the case of transmitting data such as pictures, movingimages, and the number of steps/the amount of activity from one mobilephone 3 to n number (n being two or more) of PCs 2. FIG. 13 is aflowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the link unit 32 forthe case of transmitting data such as pictures, moving images, and thenumber of steps/the amount of activity from one mobile phone 3 to nnumber of PCs 2. However, it is assumed here that the one mobile phone 3and the n number of PCs 2 have mutually authenticated and registeredeach other. In other words, the execution of the setup sequence depictedin FIG. 8 (Step S126 in FIG. 6B) causes the mobile phone 3 to store thedevice information of the n number of PCs 2 on the link data storage325, and causes the PCs 2 to store the device information of the mobilephone 3 on the link data storage 225. Moreover, a device selection unitof the mobile phone 3 is set in the following to be a device selectionunit 327 corresponding to the device selection unit 227 of the PC 2.

As depicted in FIG. 13, the device selection unit 327 of the mobilephone 3 selects a first PC 2 as a transmission partner based on theuser's instruction (Step S401). The user can select a PC 2 to be atransmission partner from the PC link screen displayed in Step S305 inFIG. 10. The device selection unit 327 of the mobile phone 3 informs thePC 2 selected by the user as a link target device to the device linkunit 322 of the mobile phone 3, and requests the device link unit 322 ofthe mobile phone 3 to link with the PC 2. At the request to link withthe PC 2, the device link unit 322 of the mobile phone 3 executes asearch process by a similar process to Step S306 in FIG. 10 (Step S402).The device link unit 322 of the mobile phone 3 then determines thepresence or absence of a response from the selected PC 2 by a similarprocess to Step S308 in FIG. 10 based on the search result within apredetermined time from the search start, and determines theconnectivity with the PC 2 (Step S403). When a response from theselected PC 2 is included in the search result (Step S403; Yes), thedevice link unit 322 of the mobile phone 3 determines to be connectablewith the selected PC 2 to transmit a PC-mobile phone link modenotification to the selected PC 2 by a similar process to Step S309 inFIG. 10 (Step S404). On the other hand, when a response from theselected PC 2 is not included in the search result (Step S403; No), thedevice link unit 322 of the mobile phone 3 does not transmit a PC-mobilephone link mode, and the processing shifts to Step S407.

After the transmission of the PC-mobile phone link mode notification,similar processing to Steps S310 to S317 in FIG. 10 is executed toestablish a connection between the selected PC 2 and the mobile phone 3.After the establishment of a connection, the device link processing isexecuted between the selected PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 in accordancewith the operation by the user (Step S405). The device link processingis the capture of various data from the mobile phone 3 described with,for example, FIGS. 11C and 12.

When being instructed by the user to terminate the link with theselected PC 2, the device link unit 322 of the mobile phone 3disconnects from the selected PC 2 to terminate the device linkprocessing (Step S406). The device link unit 322 of the mobile phone 3then returns to the display of the PC link screen after displaying amessage to the effect that the connection with the PC 2 has been cut,for example. When the termination operation of the PC link screen isperformed by the user afterward (Step S407; Yes), the processingprocedure terminates. On the other hand, when the termination operationof the PC link screen is not performed (Step S407; No), and theoperation for selecting another PC 2 is performed by the user, theprocessing shifts to Step S401. The above processing (Steps S401 to 407)is then executed targeting the PC 2 newly selected by the user.

In this manner, the link unit 32 of the mobile phone 3 operates toestablish a connection only with one PC 2 selected by the user in astate linkable with a plurality of PCs 2, and the selected one PC 2confirms that the device information of the mobile phone 3 has beenregistered in the device itself and operates to establish theconnection. After the connection is established in this manner, thedevice link processing is executed between the mobile phone 3 and theone PC 2. Therefore, even if the mobile phone 3 is linkable, datatransmission to PCs 2 for which the connection is not established (PCsto which data should not been transmitted) is prevented, and the captureof useless data from the mobile phone 3 is prevented in the PC 2.Accordingly, data privacy is secured without leaking data in the mobilephone 3 to irrelevant devices. Such an effect is not limited to a mobilephone and a PC as in the embodiment, but is similarly produced in arelationship between a device holding data and a plurality of otherdevices.

Moreover, the mobile phone 3 is used in a state where the power isalways ON while the PC 2 are in a standby state such as a sleep stateand a hibernate state or a shutdown state in many cases. In such a case,the link unit 32 of the mobile phone 3 issues a magic packet to the PC 2to resume or start the PC 2, which allows for start of the PC-mobilephone link by activating the link unit 22.

Internet Connection

Next, a description will be given of Internet connection processingbetween the Internet connection unit 223 in the link unit 22 of the PC 2and an Internet connection unit in the link unit 32 of the mobile phone3. In the following, the Internet connection unit and a setup unit ofthe mobile phone 3 are set to be an Internet connection unit 323 and thesetup unit 321 corresponding to the Internet connection unit 223 and thesetup unit 221 of the PC 2, respectively.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sequence of Internet connection processing betweenthe Internet connection unit 223 of the PC 2 and the Internet connectionunit 323 of the mobile phone 3. It is assumed in FIG. 14 that the PC 2and the mobile phone 3 are in a linkable state, taking the PC 2 as theAP unit 211 (indicated as AP in FIG. 14) and that “CONNECT WITH INTERNETVIA MOBILE PHONE” has been selected on the mobile phone link screendepicted in FIG. 11C. Moreover, FIG. 14 depicts the Internet connectionunit 223 and the Internet connection unit 323 as the link units.

As depicted in FIG. 14, the Internet connection unit 223 of the PC 2checks information communication devices connecting with the AP unit211, and displays a message to inform the disconnection on the PC screenin the case where there is an information communication deviceconnecting with the AP unit 211 other than the mobile phone 3 (StepS501). The Internet connection unit 223 then displays a screen to selectthe continuation or cancellation of the Internet connection. If the userselects the cancellation, the Internet connection unit 223 terminatesthe processing, and the control is returned to the display of the mobilephone link screen depicted in FIG. 11C. On the other hand, if the userselects the continuation of the Internet connection, the Internetconnection unit 223 transmits an AP state check request to the mobilephone 3 (Step S502).

The Internet connection unit 323 of the mobile phone 3 thereupon checkswhether or not the user has agreed to use 3G communication on the mobilephone 3 via the AP unit 311 (indicated as AP in FIG. 14) (Step S503),and transmits to the PC 2 the checked state as an AP state checkresponse (Step S504). The description was given of the case of using 3Gcommunication here; however, it is possible to use other datacommunications such as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for MicrowaveAccess) and LTE (Long Time Evolution).

The Internet connection unit 223 of the PC 2 receives the AP state checkresponse, and displays a message to inform that the AP unit 311 of themobile phone 3 is not usable in the case where the use of 3Gcommunication via the AP unit 311 has not been agreed in the mobilephone 3. The Internet connection unit 223 then terminates theprocessing, and the control is returned to the display of the mobilephone link screen depicted in FIG. 11C. On the other hand, in the casewhere the use of 3G communication via the AP unit 311 has been agreed inthe mobile phone 3, the Internet connection unit 223 displays a screento check for a provider contract and a subscription to a datacommunication plan (Step S505). The Internet connection unit 223 thendisplays the screen to select the continuation or cancellation of theInternet connection. If the user selects the cancellation, the Internetconnection unit 223 terminates the processing, and the control isreturned to the display of the mobile phone link screen depicted in FIG.11C. Checking the user for his/her provider contract and subscription toa data communication plan prevents the user from being unintentionallycharged on the mobile phone 3 for a packet fee.

On the other hand, when the user selects the continuation of theInternet connection, the Internet connection unit 223 transmits an APswitching request to the mobile phone 3 (Step S506). The Internetconnection unit 323 of the mobile phone 3 receives the AP switchingrequest, and transmits to the PC 2 an AP switching response as aresponse thereto (Step S507).

The Internet connection units 223 and 323 subsequently instruct thesetup units 221 and 321, respectively, to perform the setup process (toexecute the setup sequence depicted in FIG. 8) (Step S508). Here, thereason for executing the setup process is because the PC 2 and themobile phone 3 mutually exchange the latest information. Moreover, inthe setup sequence depicted in FIG. 8, the mobile phone 3 transmits asetup start request to the PC 2; however, the setup may also beperformed by transmitting a setup start request from the PC 2 side thathas received the AP switching response to the mobile phone 3. In thiscase, the transmission side and the reception side of the processes inthe Steps illustrated in FIG. 8 are to be interchanged.

When the setup process is complete, the Internet connection unit 223 ofthe PC 2 then transmits AP deactivation to the WLAN unit 21 (Step S509).After receiving the instruction to deactivate the AP unit 211 andcompleting the deactivation of the AP unit 211, the WLAN unit 21transmits AP deactivation completion to the Internet connection unit 223(Step S510). At this point, the communication with another informationcommunication device connected to the AP unit 211 other than the mobilephone 3 is cut. The Internet connection unit 223 of the PC 2 thenreceives a notification of the AP deactivation completion and sets atimeout period (Step S511). When the timeout period elapses before theAP unit 311 of the mobile phone 3 being a connection target is searched,the user is informed to check the state of the AP unit 311 on the mobilephone 3 side.

The Internet connection unit 223 is set here to transmit the APdeactivation to the WLAN unit 21 and to deactivate the operation of theAP; however, it may also so configured as to deactivate the operation ofthe AP. In other words, in the WLAN unit 21 of the PC, both of the APunit 211 and the STA unit 212 may also simultaneously operate.

Moreover, when the setup process is complete, the Internet connectionunit 323 of the mobile phone 3 confirms the disconnection of radio (StepS512). The Internet connection unit 323 then transmits STA deactivationto the WLAN unit 31 (Step S513). After receiving the instruction todeactivate the STA unit 312 and completing the deactivation of the STAunit 312, the WLAN unit 31 transmits the STA deactivation completion tothe Internet connection unit 323 (Step S514). These processes disconnectwireless communication between the WLAN unit 21 of the PC 2 and the WLANunit 31 of the mobile phone 3 (Step S515).

The Internet connection unit 223 of the PC 2 searches the SSID of themobile phone 3 being a connection target afterward (Step S516). In otherwords, the Internet connection unit 223 of the PC 2 instructs the WLANunit 21 to search the SSID of the mobile phone 3 being a connectiontarget (Step S517), and the STA unit 212 of the WLAN unit 21 transmits aProbe request. If the AP unit 311 of the mobile phone 3 is operating,the AP unit 311 of the mobile phone 3 transmits a Probe response(including the SSID) in response to the reception of the Probe request.The STA unit 212 of the WLAN unit 21 receives the Probe response fromthe mobile phone 3, and the Internet connection unit 223 of the PC 2receives the search result from the WLAN unit 21 (Step S518). FIG. 14illustrates a case where the AP unit 311 of the mobile phone 3 being amobile phone connection target is unactivated at this point;accordingly, the search result does not include the relevant SSID.Therefore, the Internet connection unit 223 confirms the failure tosearch the SSID of the mobile phone 3 being a connection target (StepS519), and retries a search (Step S520).

On the other hand, the Internet connection unit 323 of the mobile phone3 transmits AP activation to the WLAN unit 31 (Step S521). Afterreceiving the instruction to activate the AP unit 311 and completing theactivation of the AP unit 311, the WLAN unit 31 transmits AP activationcompletion to the Internet connection unit 323 (Step S522).

The Internet connection unit 223 of the PC 2 instructs the WLAN unit 21to conduct a search to retry a search (Step S523). The STA unit 212 ofthe WLAN unit 21 receives the search instruction and transmits a Proberequest. FIG. 14 illustrates that the AP unit 311 of the mobile phone 3is operating at this point, and the AP unit 311 of the mobile phone 3transmits a Probe response in response to a Probe request. The STA unit212 of the WLAN unit 21 receives the Probe response from the mobilephone 3, and the Internet connection unit 223 of the PC 2 receives thesearch result from the WLAN unit 21 (Step S524). The Internet connectionunit 223 then detects the SSID of the mobile phone 3 being a connectiontarget (Step S525), and instructs the WLAN unit 21 to connect to the APunit 311 of the mobile phone 3 (Step S526).

The communication between the WLAN unit 21 of the PC 2 and the WLAN unit31 of the mobile phone 3 is then started and is established (Step S527).The WLAN unit 21 then informs the Internet connection unit 223 of theconnection completion (Step S528), and the WLAN unit 31 informs theInternet connection unit 323 of the communication establishment (StepS529). The Internet connection unit 323 of the mobile phone 3 thendisplays a communicating-in-AP-mode screen (Step S530). FIG. 15 is anexemplary illustration of the communicating-in-AP-mode screen. Asdepicted in FIG. 15, for example, the number of informationcommunication devices in connection and the SSID of the device itselfare displayed on the communicating-in-AP-mode screen.

In this manner, the Internet connection units 223 and 323 dissolve thePC-mobile phone link where the PC 2 operates as an AP and the mobilephone 3 operates as an STA, and cause the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 tooperate as an STA and an AP, respectively. The Internet connection units223 and 323 then connect the PC 2 with the Internet via the mobile phone3. Accordingly, the user can easily switch an AP and an STA between thePC 2 and the mobile phone 3. Therefore, the user can easily use theInternet with the PC 2 simply by setting the PC-mobile phone link in acase where the PC 2 is not connected to a network, such as outdoors.

Moreover, the Internet connection units 223 and 323 execute the APswitching only when the use of 3G communication on the mobile phone 3via an AP is permitted, which allows for prevention of the use of 3Gcommunication that the user does not intend. Moreover, the Internetconnection unit 223 checks the user for his/her provider contract andsubscription to a data communication plan, which allows for encouragingthe user to give attention to charges due for, for example, datacommunication. Moreover, the Internet connection units 223 and 323execute the setup process to exchange the latest information between thePC 2 and the mobile phone 3 for the use of the AP function of the mobilephone 3. Therefore, the user can use the AP function even in the casewhere the state of the AP of the mobile phone 3 has been changed by theuser.

The description was given here of the case where the Internet connectionunits 223 and 323 switch the PC 2 from an AP to an STA and the mobilephone 3 from an STA to an AP; however, the Internet connection units 223and 323 may also so configured as to switch the PC 2 from an STA to anAP and the mobile phone 3 from an AP to an STA in a similar procedure.

Processing Sequence in Quick Mode

Next, a description will be given of processing in quick mode betweenthe quick connection unit 224 of the PC 2 and a quick connection unit324 of the mobile phone 3. As described above, the quick mode is anoperating mode used when two information communication devices that donot belong to a network temporarily connect to each other, where a fileis transmitted and received directly after the connection between theinformation communication devices. Here, the transmission of a file inthe quick mode is referred to as “direct transmission” and the receptionof a file as “direct reception.”

FIGS. 16A to 16E illustrate a processing sequence in the quick modebetween the quick connection unit 224 of the PC 2 and the quickconnection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3. In FIGS. 16A to 16E, adescription will be given assuming that the PC 2 operates as an accesspoint (AP) and the mobile phone 3 as a station (STA). Moreover, thequick connection unit of the mobile phone 3 is set to be the quickconnection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 corresponding to the quickconnection unit 224. Moreover, the link data storage of the mobile phone3 is set to be the link data storage 325 corresponding to the link datastorage 225. Furthermore, it is assumed in FIGS. 16A to 16E thatauthentication and registration were not mutually performed in advancebetween the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3, an in-box for receiving a filein the PC 2 has been selected by the user, and a direct reception startscreen depicted in FIG. 17A is being displayed on the screen of the PC2. Moreover, with regard to the mobile phone 3 to link with, it isassumed that the user has turned on the mobile phone 3, and that a fileselection screen depicted in FIG. 17D is being displayed on the screenof the mobile phone 3 through the PC link selection screen. Moreover,wireless communication between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 isperformed via the WLAN units 21 and 31.

As depicted in FIG. 16A, a direct reception button on the directreception start screen is pressed by the user in the PC 2 (Step S601).The quick connection unit 224 of the PC 2 thereupon displays a filereception screen indicating a confirmation of the reception of anawaited file (Steps S602-1). At this time, if the AP unit 211 (indicatedas AP in FIGS. 16A to 16E) is operating and is connecting with the STAunit of another device in the already constructed network, the quickconnection unit 224 displays a message to the effect that the connectionwill be cut temporarily on the file reception screen. Therefore, thequick connection unit 224 is capable of clearly showing the user thedisconnection from the already connected network.

When an OK button on the file reception screen is pressed by the user(Step S602-2), the quick connection unit 224 of the PC 2 then displays ascreen prompting the user to set a passkey in a case of connecting awayfrom home (hereinafter referred to as an away-from-home mode screen)(Step S603). The network security deteriorates in public places such asaway from home compared with in home. Therefore, specification by theuser of a passkey on this screen allows for strengthening of security ina case of a device-to-device connection in, for example, public places.If security is not particularly strengthen, the user does not need tospecify a passkey on this screen. Here, when the user specifies apasskey, the quick connection unit 224 sets the passkey based on it(Step S604).

The quick connection unit 224 of the PC 2 then stores in the link datastorage 225 an AP state indicating whether or not the AP unit 211 isoperating (Step S605). The quick connection unit 224 then generates anew SSID by adding to the head of the SSID for normal operation “!RN_”or “!RD_”, which indicates without a passkey, or “!FN_” or “!FD_”, whichindicates with a passkey (Step S606). The newly generated SSID becomes aquick-mode SSID. In other words, the quick connection unit 224 adds“!RN_” in the case where it is without a passkey and the PC 2 is aPC-NB, and “!RD_” in the case where it is without a passkey and the PC 2is a PC-DT. Moreover, the quick connection unit 224 adds “!FN_” in thecase where it is with a passkey and the PC 2 is a PC-NB, and “!FD_” inthe case where it is without a passkey and the PC 2 is a PC-DT. In thecase where the device itself is a mobile phone, the quick connectionunit 224 adds “!RM_” in the case where it is with a passkey, and “!FM_”in the case where it is without a passkey.

Next, the quick connection unit 224 of the PC 2 automatically generatesan encryption key with the quick-mode SSID on specific conditions (StepS607). The quick connection unit 224 then requests the WLAN unit 21 toactivate the AP unit 211 (Step S608). The WLAN unit 21, which has beenrequested to activate the AP unit 211, activates the AP unit 211 andinforms the quick connection unit 224 to have completed activating theAP (Step S609).

On the other hand, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3selects a file to be transmitted to a PC based on the user's instruction(Step S611).

Furthermore, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3searches a PC to operate as an AP via the WLAN unit 31 for a search foran AP that does not belong to the same network and belongs to anothernetwork (Steps S612 and 613). In other words, the STA unit 312 of theWLAN unit 31 transmits a Probe request (Step S614). In response to theProbe request, the AP unit 211 of the PC 2, which has completed theactivation as described above, informs the Probe response to the WLANunit 31 of the mobile phone 3 (Step S615). The Probe response from thePC 2 includes a quick-mode SSID where an identifier is added to the SSIDfor normal operation of the PC 2. The STA unit 312 of the WLAN unit 31then informs the quick connection unit 324 of the Probe response fromthe PC 2 and the Probe responses acquired within a predetermined time asa search result (Step S616).

The quick connection unit 324, which has acquired the search result fromthe STA unit 312 of the WLAN unit 31, then extracts the quick-mode SSIDsfrom the search result (Step S617). In other words, the quick connectionunit 324 extracts SSIDs beginning with “!RN_”, “!RD_”, “!RM_”, “!FN_”,“!FD_” or “!FM_.”

The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 then displays atransmission destination selection screen indicating a list of devicesthat can be specified as transmission destinations based on the resultof the SSID extraction (Step S618). The quick connection unit 324 thenselects devices selected from the device list as transmissiondestination devices in accordance with the user's selection instructiongiven by an input device (Step S619). It is assumed here that the userhas selected three devices of devices A, B, and C as transmissiondestination devices from the device list. The quick connection unit 324is to select the devices A, B, and C in turn as transmissiondestinations based on the result of the selection by the user andexecute file transmission processing. The quick connection unit 324 ofthe mobile phone 3 stores in the link data storage 325 information onthe devices selected on the transmission destination selection screen.

The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 stores profileinformation of the current network on the link data storage 325 beforestarting the file transmission processing (Step S620). This is becausethe connection is returned to the current network after the processingin the quick mode terminates.

Transmission to Device A

The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 selects the device Afrom the transmission destination devices selected by the user to startthe processing targeted for the device A. The quick connection unit 324prompts the user to input a passkey in the case where input of thepasskey is needed (Step S621). In the embodiment, in the case where anSSID begins with “!FN_”, “!FD_”, or “!FM_”, it indicates that an inputof a passkey is needed to communicate with a device indicated with theSSID. In other words, in the case where the SSID of the selected devicebegins with “!FN_”, “!FD_”, or “!FM_”, the quick connection unit 324prompts the user to input a passkey.

Next, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 automaticallygenerates an encryption key with the SSID of the device A on specificconditions (Step S622). The specific conditions are the same algorithmas specific conditions used when an encryption key was automaticallygenerated in the device A.

The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 then informs the PC2 via the WLAN unit 31 of a connection request to which the generatedencryption key is added (Step S623). When the passkey is inputted, thequick connection unit 324 includes the passkey in the connectionrequest. The WLAN unit 31 of the mobile phone 3 and the WLAN unit 21 ofthe PC 2 thereupon start communication, and perform authentication withthe encryption key. At this point, in the case where the passkey isincluded in the connection request, the authentication with the passkeyis also performed. When the authentication with the encryption key andthe authentication with the passkey as needed are performed, thecommunication between the WLAN unit 31 of the mobile phone 3 and theWLAN unit 21 of the PC 2 is established. The WLAN unit 21 of the deviceA then informs the quick connection unit 221 of the establishment of thecommunication (Step S624). Moreover, the WLAN unit 31 of the mobilephone 3 informs the quick connection unit 321 of the completion of theconnection (Step S625). Accordingly, the authentication between the PC 2and the mobile phone 3 has been made.

Processing of Direct Transmission to Device A

If the authentication is made between the device A and the mobile phone3, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 transmits asearch packet for “waiting to receive files” to the device A (StepS626). When being able to receive files, the quick connection unit 224of the device A transmits a response to the search packet for “waitingto receive files” to the mobile phone 3 (Step S627).

The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 receives theresponse to the search packet for “waiting to receive files” from thedevice A, and transmits to the device A a request to check thereceivable capacity (Step S628). The quick connection unit 224 of thedevice A receives the request to check the receivable capacity, checksthe receivable capacity (usable capacity) of a storage of the deviceitself, and transmits a response to the request to check the receivablecapacity to the mobile phone 3 (Step S629). The quick connection unit224 of the device A includes the information on the checked receivablecapacity in the response.

The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 receives theresponse to the request to check the receivable capacity from the deviceA, compares the information on the receivable capacity included in theresponse with the capacity of the files to be transmitted, and transmitsa request to receive the files to the device A when it is determinedthat the device A is able to receive the files to be transmitted (StepS630). The quick connection unit 224 of the device A receives therequest to receive the files, and transmits a response to the filereception request to the mobile phone 3 (Step S631).

Next, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 receives theresponse to the file reception request, and transmits to the device A afile reception start notification regarding the files to be transmitted(Step S632). When the quick connection unit 224 of the device Atransmits a file acquisition request to the mobile phone 3 in responseto the reception of the file reception start notification (Step S633),the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 transmits the filesto the device A (Step S634).

Subsequently, when receiving all the files, the quick connection unit224 of the device A transmits a reception completion notification to themobile phone 3 (Step S635). The quick connection unit 324 of the mobilephone 3 holds the transmission result to the device A on the link datastorage 325. Here, the quick connection unit 324 holds the fact that thetransmission to the device A was successful as the transmission resulton the link data storage 325 (Step S636). The processing from Steps S626to S636 is referred to as the “direct transmission processing.” In otherwords, the direct transmission processing is processing of transmittingfiles after temporarily connecting between devices without previouslyregistering and setting information of a device being a party at theother end of a communication channel.

When the direct transmission processing with the device A terminates,the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 disconnects thecommunication with the device A via the WLAN unit 31 (Step S637). On theother hand, the quick connection unit 224 of the device A instructs theWLAN unit 21 to deactivate the AP unit 211 (Step S638). The WLAN unit 21informs the completion of deactivation to the quick connection unit 224after deactivating the AP unit 211 (Step S639).

The quick connection unit 224 of the device A then receives thenotification of deactivating the AP unit 211 to return the AP unit 211to a state before the quick mode (Step S640). In other words, the quickconnection unit 224 reads the state of the AP unit 211 stored on thelink data storage 225 in Step S605, and instructs the AP unit 21 toreturn to the above-mentioned state. For example, if the state of the APunit 211 stored on the link data storage 225 is a normal operatingstate, the quick connection unit 224 returns the SSID from thequick-mode SSID to the SSID for normal operation and returns to theencryption key for normal operation. As a result, the device A is toreconstruct a network with another device that constructed a networkbefore the change to the quick mode.

On the other hand, when the communication between the device A and themobile phone 3 is disconnected, the quick connection unit 324 of themobile phone 3 receives a disconnection completion notification from theWLAN unit 31 (Step S641). Next, the quick connection unit 324 of themobile phone 3 determines whether or not there exists a device to whichtransmission has not yet been performed (Step S642). The quickconnection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 determines the presence orabsence of a device to which transmission has not yet been performed byuse of information indicating devices selected as the transmissiondestination devices and information indicating the transmission resultsof the direct transmission processing corresponding to the devices,which are stored on the link data storage 325. When it is determinedthat there does not exist a device to which transmission has not yetbeen performed (Step S642; No), the quick connection unit 324 shifts theprocessing to Step S683 to reexecute the direct transmission processingon the transmission failed device.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there exists a device towhich transmission has not yet been performed (Step S642; Yes), thequick connection unit 324 executes the direct transmission processing onthe device to which transmission has not yet been performed. Here, thedevice B is a device to which transmission has not yet been performed;accordingly, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 selectsthe device B from the selection target devices to continuously start theprocessing targeted for the device B.

Transmission to Device B

Next, a description will be given of a case where direct transmissionfrom the mobile phone 3 to the device B fails in the processing targetedfor the device B. The processing from Steps S643 to S647 is the same asthe one targeted for the device A from Steps S621 to S625; accordingly,redundant description of the operation will not be given.

Processing of Direct Transmission to Device B

When authentication is made between the device B and the mobile phone 3,the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 transmits a searchpacket for “waiting to receive files” to the device B (Step S648). Whenbeing able to receive files, the quick connection unit 224 of the deviceB transmits a response to the search packet for “waiting to receivefiles” to the mobile phone 3 (Step S649).

The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 receives theresponse to the search packet for “waiting to receive files” from thedevice B and transmits a request to check the receivable capacity to thedevice B (Step S650). The quick connection unit 224 of the device Breceives the request to check the receivable capacity, checks thereceivable capacity (usable capacity) of a storage of the device itself,and transmits a response to the request to check the receivable capacityto the mobile phone 3 (Step S651). The quick connection unit 224 of thedevice B includes the information on the checked receivable capacity inthe response. The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3receives the response to the request to check the receivable capacityfrom the device B, compares the information on the receivable capacityincluded in the response with the capacity of files to be transmitted,and shifts the processing to Step S656 as an error related to thereceivable capacity when it is determined that the device B is unable toreceive the files to be transmitted.

On the other hand, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3receives the response to the request to check the receivable capacityfrom the device B, and transmits a request to receive the files to thedevice B when it is determined by the above comparison that the device Bis able to receive the files to be transmitted (Step S652). Here, in thecase where the quick connection unit 224 of the device B does notrespond to the file reception request, the quick connection unit 324 ofthe mobile phone 3 determines that the files are not transmitted to thedevice B on the grounds that it did not receive a response to the filereception request within a predetermined time, and shifts the processingto Step S656.

On the other hand, when the quick connection unit 224 of the device Bresponds to the file reception request (Step S653), the quick connectionunit 324 of the mobile phone 3 receives the response to the filereception request, and transmits to the device B a file reception startnotification regarding the files to be transmitted (Step S654). Here, inthe case where the quick connection unit 224 of the device B does notissue a file acquisition request, the quick connection unit 324 of themobile phone 3 determines that the files are unable to be transmitted tothe device B on the grounds that it did not receive the file acquisitionrequest in response to the file reception start notification within apredetermined time, and shifts the processing to Step S656. In the caseof any state of an error related to the receivable capacity, anunreceived response to the file reception request, and an unreceivedfile acquisition request, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobilephone 3 holds on the link data storage 225 the transmission result tothe effect that the file transmission to the device B failed (StepS656).

When the processing of direct transmission to the device B fails, thequick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 disconnects thecommunication with the device B via the WLAN unit 31 (Step S657). On theother hand, the quick connection unit 224 of the device B failed toreceive the files for any of the above reasons and accordingly holds thestate of waiting to receive files in order to be standby forretransmission processing by the mobile phone 3 (Step S658).

When the communication between the device B and the mobile phone 3 isdisconnected, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3receives a disconnection completion notification from the WLAN unit 31(Step S659). Next, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3determines whether or not there exists a device to which transmissionhas not yet been performed (Step S660). The quick connection unit 324 ofthe mobile phone 3 is able to determine the presence or absence of adevice to which transmission has not yet been performed based on theabove-mentioned information held on the link data storage 325. When itis determined that there does not exist a device to which transmissionhas not yet been performed (Step S660; No), the quick connection unit324 shifts the processing to Step S683 to reexecute the directtransmission processing on the transmission failed device.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that there existsa device to which transmission has not yet been performed (Step S660;Yes), the quick connection unit 324 executes the direct transmissionprocessing on the device to which transmission has not yet beenperformed. As described above, the quick connection unit 324 is able toidentify a device to which transmission has not yet been performed basedon the information stored on the link data storage 325. Here, the deviceC is the device to which transmission has not yet been performed;accordingly, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 selectsthe device C from the selection target devices to continuously start theprocessing targeted for the device C.

Transmission to Device C

The processing from Steps S661 to S681 is the same as the one targetedfor the device A from Steps S621 to S641; accordingly, redundantdescription of the operation will not be given. It is assumed here thatthe direct transmission from the mobile phone 3 to the device C wassuccessful.

When the processing of the direct transmission between the device C andthe mobile phone 3 is successful and the communication is disconnected,the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 determines whetheror not there exists a device to which transmission has not yet beenperformed (Step S682). The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone3 is able to determine the presence or absence of a device to whichtransmission has not yet been performed based on the above-mentionedinformation held on the link data storage 325. When it is determinedthat there exists a device to which transmission has not yet beenperformed (Step S682; Yes), the quick connection unit 324 shifts to thedirect transmission processing targeted for the device to whichtransmission has not yet been performed. On the other hand, when it isdetermined that there does not exist a device to which transmission hasnot yet been performed (Step S682; No), the quick connection unit 324shifts the processing to Step S683 to reexecute the direct transmissionprocessing on a transmission failed device.

Next, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 determineswhether or not there exists a transmission failed device (Step S683).The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 is able to determinethe presence or absence of a transmission failed device based on theabove-mentioned information held on the link data storage 325. When itis determined that there exists a transmission failed device (Step S683;Yes), the quick connection unit 324 determines whether to have performedretransmission to the transmission failed device (Step S684). Thedetails will be described later; however, the retransmission result isheld on the link data storage 325, and the quick connection unit 324 isable to determine whether to have performed retransmission withreference to the retransmission result. When it is determined that theretransmission to the transmission failed device was not performed (StepS684; No), the quick connection unit 324 confirms the transmissionfailure result held on the link data storage 325 (Step S685). Here, thequick connection unit 324 confirms that the device B failed.

Retransmission to Device B

The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 executesretransmission to the device B as a result of ending in a failure infile transmission to the device B and confirming that retransmission tothe device B has not been executed. The processing from Steps S686 toS699 is the same as the one targeted for the device A from Steps S622 toS635; accordingly, redundant description of the operation will not begiven.

When the direct transmission processing is executed between the mobilephone 3 and the device B and the quick connection unit 324 of the mobilephone 3 receives a reception completion notification from the device B,the quick connection unit 324 holds the fact that the transmission tothe device B was successful as the transmission result on the link datastorage 325 (Step S700-1). On the other hand, when receiving an errorrelated to the receivable capacity from the mobile phone 3, the quickconnection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 holds on the link data storage325 the fact that the transmission to the device B failed again and thecause of the failure as the transmission result. Moreover, when there isno response to the file reception request, the quick connection unit 324of the mobile phone 3 holds on the link data storage 325 the fact thatthe transmission to the device B failed again and the cause of thefailure as the transmission result. Furthermore, when there is noissuance of the file acquisition request, the quick connection unit 324of the mobile phone 3 holds on the link data storage 325 the fact thatthe transmission to the device B failed again and the cause of thefailure as the transmission result (Step S700-2).

When the direct retransmission processing with the device B terminates,the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 disconnects thecommunication with the device B via the WLAN unit 31 (Step S701). On theother hand, the quick connection unit 224 of the device B instructs theWLAN unit 21 to deactivate the AP unit 211 (Step S702). The WLAN unit 21informs the completion of deactivation to the quick connection unit 224after deactivating the AP unit 211 (Step S703).

The quick connection unit 224 of the device B then receives thenotification of completing deactivating the AP unit 211 to return the APunit 211 to a state before the quick mode (Step S704). In other words,the quick connection unit 224 reads the state of the AP unit 211 storedon the link data storage 225 in Step S605, and instructs the AP unit 21to return to the above-mentioned state. For example, if the state of theAP unit 211 stored on the link data storage 225 is a normal operatingstate, the quick connection unit 224 returns the SSID from thequick-mode SSID to the SSID for normal operation and returns to theencryption key for normal operation. As a result, the device B is toreconstruct a network with another device that constructed a networkbefore the change to the quick mode.

On the other hand, when the communication between the device B and themobile phone 3 is disconnected, the quick connection unit 324 of themobile phone 3 receives a disconnection completion notification from theWLAN unit 31 (Step S705). If there is another transmission faileddevice, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 then shiftsthe processing to Step S683 to execute retransmission processingtargeted for the transmission failed device.

Returning to Step S683, when it is determined that there does not exista transmission failed device (Step S683; No), the quick connection unit324 of the mobile phone 3 shifts the processing to Step S706 toterminate the processing in the quick mode. Moreover, when it isdetermined that there exist transmission failed devices and thatretransmission to all the transmission failed devices has been performed(Step S684; Yes), the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3shifts the processing to Step S706 to terminate the processing in thequick mode.

The quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 then displays atransmission completion message on the screen of the mobile phone 3(Step S706). The quick connection unit 324 then reads from the link datastorage 325 the profile information of the network before the quickmode, the profile information being stored on Step S620, to reconnect byuse of the profile information (Step S707), and displays the PC linkselection screen being a top screen of the link unit 32 (Step S708).

Example of Screen Used in Processing Sequence in Quick Mode

FIG. 17A is an exemplary illustration of the direct reception startscreen. As depicted in FIG. 17A, when the in-box is selected by the PC2, the PC 2 displays the direct reception button to receive files fromthe mobile phone 3. In FIG. 17A, the PC 2 is able to capture files suchas pictures and moving images from the mobile phone 3.

FIG. 17B is an exemplary illustration of the file reception screen. Asdepicted in FIG. 17B, the PC 2 displays a reception confirmation messagebefore receiving files from the mobile phone 3. Furthermore, the PC 2displays a message to the effect that the network that has already beenconstructed may temporarily be disconnected during the reception offiles.

FIG. 17C is an exemplary illustration of the away-from-home mode screen.As depicted in FIG. 17C, the PC 2 displays a message prompting the userto input a passkey for a case of connecting in public places such asaway from home before receiving files from the mobile phone 3. The PC 2then displays a text box for inputting a passkey. After inputting apasskey on the screen in FIG. 17C, the user instructs to start automaticconnection with the mobile phone 3 in order to receive files from themobile phone 3; accordingly, the PC 2 executes communication (directreception) where security is further strengthened in addition toauthentication with an encryption key. If the automatic connection isstarted without the user inputting a passkey on the screen in FIG. 17C,the PC 2 is to execute communication (direct reception) where securityis secured by authentication with an encryption key.

FIG. 17D is an exemplary illustration of the file selection screen. Asdepicted in FIG. 17D, the mobile phone 3 displays files that are able tobe transmitted directly to the PC 2. The user controls the fileselection screen in FIG. 17D to select desired files such as pictures,moving images and music data, and the mobile phone 3 is able to transmitthe selected files to the PC 2 based on the selection control of theuser.

FIG. 17E is an exemplary illustration of the transmission destinationselection screen. As depicted in FIG. 17E, the mobile phone 3 displaysthe list of devices being transmission destinations to which theselected files can be transmitted directly. The user selects a desiredtransmission destination device from the device list displayed asdepicted in FIG. 17E, and the mobile phone 3 transmits the filesdirectly to the transmission destination device based on the selectioncontrol of the user. With regard to the selection of transmissiondestinations, the mobile phone 3 may be capable of selecting a pluralityof transmission destinations at a time, or may be capable of selectingtransmission destinations one by one.

In the embodiment, description was given assuming that the mobile phone3 is operated as a station (STA). However, the mobile phone 3 mayoperate as an access point (AP). In this case, the quick connection unit324 of the mobile phone 3 requests the WLAN unit 31 to deactivate the APunit 311 before searching for a PC to operate as an AP (Step S612).After the completion of deactivating the AP unit 311, the quickconnection unit 324 then requests the WLAN unit 31 to activate the STAunit 312. It is sufficient as long as the quick connection unit 324 thenshifts to Step S612 to search a PC to operate as an AP after thecompletion of activating the STA unit 312.

Software Configuration

Next, a description will be given of a software configuration forestablishing a link between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3. FIG. 18illustrates a software configuration. As depicted in FIG. 18, softwarefor establishing a link between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3 includesan OS 810, a driver 820, and an application 830. The OS 810, the driver820, and the application 830 establish a link process in cooperationwith hardware 800.

The driver 820 includes a WLAN program 820. The WLAN program 820 to beexecuted in the PC 2 implements the function of the WLAN unit 21depicted in FIG. 3. Moreover, the WLAN program 820 to be executed in themobile phone 3 implements the function of the WLAN unit 31 depicted inFIG. 3. The WLAN program 820 includes an STA program 821 a and an APprogram 821 b. The STA program 821 a and the AP program 821 b, which areexecuted in the PC 2, implement the functions of the STA unit 212 andthe AP unit 211 depicted in FIG. 3. Moreover, the STA program 821 a andthe AP program 821 b, which are executed in the mobile phone 3,implement the functions of the STA unit 312 and the AP unit 311 that aredepicted in FIG. 3.

The application 830 includes a link program 831. The link program 831 tobe executed in the PC 2 implements the function of the link unit 22depicted in FIG. 3. Moreover, the link program 831 to be executed in themobile phone 3 implements the function of the link unit 32 depicted inFIG. 3. The link program 831 links with another informationcommunication device by use of the WLAN program 821. In other words, thelink program 831 of the PC 2 (or the mobile phone 3) executes the linkprocess with the link program 831 of the mobile phone 3 (or the PC 2).

Hardware Configuration of Mobile Phone

FIG. 19 illustrates a hardware configuration of a mobile phone. Asdepicted in FIG. 19, a mobile phone 900 includes a wirelesscommunication unit 910, a display unit 920, an audio input/output unit930, an input unit 940, a processor 950, and a storage 960. The wirelesscommunication unit 910, the display unit 920, the audio input/outputunit 930, the input unit 940, and the storage 960 are connected to theprocessor 950, respectively.

The storage 960 includes a program storage 961, a data storage 962, anda RAM (Random Access Memory) 963. Programs such as the link program 831for implementing the function of the link unit 32 depicted in FIG. 3 arestored on the program storage 961. Various data such as an SSID, anencryption key, device information, and setting information, which arestored on the link data storage 225 depicted in FIG. 4, are stored onthe data storage 962. The storage 960 is, for example, a semiconductormemory device such as a RAM and a flash memory, or a storage device suchas a hard disk drive (HDD) and an optical disk.

The processor 950 is an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field Programmable GateArray), or an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Additionally, the processor 950reads programs such as the link program 831 from the storage 960 to loadthe programs into the RAM 963; accordingly, the programs such as thelink program 831 are to function as processes such as the link process.The link process then loads, for example, the information read from thedata storage 962 into an area allocated to itself on the RAM 963 asappropriate to execute various data processes based on, for example, theloaded data.

Hardware Configuration of PC

FIG. 20 illustrates a hardware configuration of a PC. As depicted inFIG. 20, a PC 1000 includes a RAM 1010, a network interface device 1020,an HDD 1030, a CPU 1040, a media reader 1050, and a bus 1060. The RAM1010, the network interface device 1020, the HDD 1030, the CPU 1040, andthe media reader 1050 are connected by the bus 1060.

Additionally, programs such as the link program 831 for implementing thefunction of the link unit 32 depicted in FIG. 3 are stored on the HDD1030. Moreover, various data such as an SSID, an encryption key, deviceinformation, and setting information, which are stored on the link datastorage 225 depicted in FIG. 4, are stored on the HDD 1030.

Additionally, the CPU 1040 reads the link program 831 from the HDD 1030to load the program into the RAM 1010; accordingly, the link program 831is to function as the link process. The link process then loads theinformation read from, for example, the HDD 1030 into an area allocatedto itself on the RAM 963 as appropriate to execute various dataprocesses based on, for example, the loaded data.

The media reader 1050 reads programs such as the link program 831 from,for example, a medium for storing programs in the case where theprograms such as the link program 831 are not stored on the HDD 1030.The media reader 1050 is, for example, a CD-ROM or an optical diskdevice.

The network interface device 1020 is a device for connecting with anexternal device via a network and supporting wireless networking.

Incidentally, the above link program 831 may be stored in, for example,another computer (or server) connected to the PC 1000 via, for example,a public line, the Internet, LAN, WAN (Wide Area Network). In this case,the PC 1000 reads the link program 831 from another computer or the likevia the network interface device 1020 to execute the link program 831.

Effects of Embodiment

In the embodiment, the link unit 22 of the PC 2 adds an identifier usedfor identifying a device to an SSID for use in operating normally as anAP for wireless communication. Additionally, when receiving a request tosearch an AP from the mobile phone 3 to execute the station function,the link unit 22 transmits an SSID (a setup-mode SSID) newly acquired asa result of the addition as a response to the search request. Accordingto such a configuration, the link unit 22 is configured to transmit anew SSID to which an identifier used for identifying a device is addedas a response to the request to search an AP, which allows the mobilephone 3 that has transmitted the search request to identify a device ofan AP. As a result, the link unit 22 is able to cause the mobile phone 3to execute the station function to connect to an intended AP.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the link unit 22 adds an identifier inaccordance with an operating mode to an SSID for use in operatingnormally as an AP for wireless communication. According to such aconfiguration, the link unit 22 is configured to add an identifier inaccordance with an operating mode to an SSID for use in operatingnormally, which allows the mobile phone 3 to receive the newidentifier-added SSID remove an AP to normally connect with. As aresult, the link unit 22 is able to cause the mobile phone 3 to executethe station function to connect with an intended AP.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the link unit 22 adds an identifier inaccordance with the category of the device itself to an SSID for use inoperating normally as an AP for wireless communication. According tosuch a configuration, the link unit 22 is configured to add to an SSIDan identifier in accordance with the category of the device itself,which allows the mobile phone 3 to receive the new identifier-added SSIDidentify a desired AP to connect with in accordance with the devicecategory of the AP. As a result, the link unit 22 is able to cause themobile phone 3 to execute the station function to connect with anintended AP.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the link unit 22 further adds an identifierindicating whether to request a password from the mobile phone 3executing the station function to an SSID for use in operating normallyas an AP for wireless communication. According to such a configuration,the link unit 22 is configured to add to an SSID an identifierindicating whether to request a password, which allows for strengtheningof security in a connection with the mobile phone 3 executing thestation function.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the link unit 32 executing the stationfunction transmits a request to search an AP. The link unit 32 thenreceives a new SSID to which an identifier used for identifying a deviceis added (a setup-mode SSID) as a response to the transmitted searchrequest from an information communication device to execute the APfunction. The link unit 32 then establishes a connection with theinformation communication device that has transmitted the new SSID byuse of the received new SSID. According to such a configuration, thelink unit 32 receives the new SSID to which an identifier used foridentifying a device of an AP is added, which allows for identificationof a desired device of an AP to connect with based on the new SSID. As aresult, the link unit 32 is able to inhibit an accidental connectionwith an unintended device of an AP.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the link unit 32 generates an encryptionkey on the same conditions as specific conditions for use when aninformation communication device to execute the AP function generates anencryption key by use of the received new SSID. The link unit 32 thenestablishes a connection with the information communication device byuse of the generated encryption key. According to such a configuration,the link unit 32 is configured to automatically generate an encryptionkey on the same specific conditions as those of the informationcommunication device of the AP by use of the new SSID, which allows foreasy establishment of a connection with the information communicationdevice.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the link unit 32 reestablishes a connectionwith the information communication device that has established aconnection with the new SSID by use of an SSID for normal operationincluded in the new SSID after processing of connection establishmentand completing handshake to a certain extent. According to such aconfiguration, the link unit 32 is configured to reconnect with thedevice that has established a connection by use of the SSID for normaloperation after establishing a connection with the new SSID, whichallows for secure establishment of a connection with a desired AP toconnect with.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the link unit 32 deletes the new SSID andthe encryption key generated with the new SSID after completinghandshake. According to such a configuration, the link unit 32 becomesable to know the device information of the device of the AP as a resultof the completion of handshake, which allows for deletion of informationnot to be used when operating normally. As a result, the link unit 32 isable to increase usable storage capacity.

Moreover, in the embodiment, when receiving a plurality of new SSIDshaving the same identifier, the link unit 32 prompts the user to selectany of SSIDs from the new SSIDs. According to such a configuration, whenreceiving a plurality of new SSIDs having the same identifier, the linkunit 32 is able to prompt the user to select a device of an AP, whichallows for connection with an intended AP.

Moreover, in the embodiment, if being requested by the mobile phone 3 toexecute the station function of wireless communication to transmitdevice information and wireless LAN information, the link unit 22 of thePC 2 transmits to the mobile phone 3 information in the device itselffor executing the access point function of wireless communication. Whenreceiving a notification of completing receiving the transmittedinformation from the mobile phone 3, the link unit 22 of the PC 2 thenrequests the mobile phone 3 to transmit the device information and thewireless LAN information. According to such a configuration, the linkunit 22 of the PC 2 transmits to the mobile phone 3 the deviceinformation and wireless LAN information in the device itself, whichallows for conveyance to the mobile phone 3 the information used for aconnection of wireless communication in the device itself. Moreover, thelink unit 22 of the PC 2 requests the mobile phone 3 to transmit thedevice information and the wireless LAN information, which allows forreception of the information used for a connection of wirelesscommunication in the mobile phone 3. As a result, the PC 2 and themobile phone 3, which communicate by radio, are able to acquire mutualinformation used for a connection of wireless communication.

Moreover, in the embodiment, when receiving the information of themobile phone 3 as a response to the request to transmit the deviceinformation and the wireless LAN information, the link unit 22 of the PC2 stores the received information on the link data storage 225.According to such a configuration, the link unit 22 of the PC 2 storesthe information used for a connection of wireless communication in themobile phone 3, which allows for simplification of connection even whenthe functions of an AP and a station are interchanged between the PC 2and the mobile phone 3 in the future.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the device link unit 222 of the PC 2acquires the setting information file from the mobile phone 3 anddisplays functions of linking with the mobile phone 3, in other words,data that can be captured from the mobile phone 3, based on theinformation on the acquired setting information file. Therefore, datathat the user of the mobile phone 3 does not desire is prevented frombeing captured in the PC 2.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the link unit 32 of the mobile phone 3operates to establish a connection only with one PC 2 selected by theuser in a state linkable with a plurality of PCs 2, and the selected onePC 2 confirms that the device information of the mobile phone 3 has beenregistered in the device itself, and operates to establish theconnection. After the connection is established in this manner, thedevice link processing is executed between the mobile phone 3 and theone PC 2. Therefore, data transmission to PCs 2 for which the connectionis not established (PCs to which data should not be transmitted), evenif linkable, is prevented in the mobile phone 3. Moreover, the captureof useless data from the mobile phone 3 is prevented in the PC 2.Accordingly, data privacy is secured without leaking data in the mobilephone 3 to irrelevant devices.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the Internet connection units 223 and 323dissolve the PC-mobile phone link where the PC 2 operates as an AP andthe mobile phone 3 operates as an STA, and cause the PC 2 and the mobilephone 3 to operate as an STA and an AP, respectively. The Internetconnection units 223 and 323 then connect the PC 2 to the Internet viathe mobile phone 3. Accordingly, the user can easily switch an AP and anSTA between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 3. Therefore, the user caneasily use the Internet with the PC 2 simply by setting the PC-mobilephone link also in a case where the PC 2 is not connected to a network,such as outdoors.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobilephone 3 searches devices of APs, extracts devices being in a state ofwaiting for the execution of direct reception from devices thatresponded to the search, and carries out the establishment of aconnection and the transmission of data for each of a plurality ofdevices selected by the user from the extracted devices, based onconnection information for permitting connection in the devices waitingfor the execution of direct reception. According to such aconfiguration, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 neednot previously register setting information on each of devices totransmit data to, and is able to connect with a plurality of devices toeasily transmit data to these devices.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobilephone 3 uses an encryption key generated on the same conditions as thespecific conditions used when a device in a state of waiting for theexecution of direct reception generates an encryption key as informationon a connection with the device. According to such a configuration, thequick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 is configured toautomatically generate an encryption key on the same specific conditionsas those of the device in a state of waiting for the execution of directreception, which allows for establishment of a temporary connection in astate where security is maintained without advance setup (authenticationand registration) for the device.

Moreover, in the embodiment, if being unable to transmit data to acertain target device among a plurality of devices as data transmissiontargets, the quick connection unit 324 of the mobile phone 3 does notexecute retransmission processing at the time of the failure intransmission, and shifts to processing of transmitting data to anothertarget device among the plurality of devices. Additionally, after it isdetermined by the determination process to have executed the datatransmission processing on all of the plurality of devices, the quickconnection unit 324 reexecutes the connection establishment processingand the data transmission processing on the target device to which datawas unable to be transmitted. According to such a configuration, thepossibilities increase that the cause of the failure in datatransmission is resolved and that the transmission succeeds by theprocessing of retransmitting data while the data transmission processingis being executed on all of the plurality of target devices. Forexample, if the cause of incomplete transmission is an error related toreceivable capacity, the cause of the error can be resolved by theoperation of reserving receivable capacity in a link target device.Moreover, for example, if the cause of incomplete transmission is that aresponse to a file reception request and a file acquisition request havenot been received from the quick connection unit 324, the cause can beresolved by things such as reducing the load on processing of the PC 2and resolving network congestions. Moreover, the period until data istransmitted to all target devices is shortened by the above-mentionedretransmission processing.

Others

Moreover, in the embodiment, description was given of the case where nnumber of PCs and one mobile phone are linked; however, the presentinvention is not limited thereto, and is similarly applicable also to acase where n number of PCs and m (m is two or more) number of mobilephones are linked.

Moreover, in the embodiment, description was given of the case where aPC and a mobile phone are linked; however, the present invention is notlimited thereto, and is similarly applicable also to a case wheredevices having a wireless LAN function, such as a PC and a PC, a mobilephone and a mobile phone, and a mobile phone and another device, arelinked.

According to an aspect of a program of the invention, a new technologyfor setting information used for the connection of a wireless LAN isprovided.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the inventionand the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, andare to be construed as being without limitation to such specificallyrecited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of suchexamples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority andinferiority of the invention. Although the embodiment of the presentinvention has been described in detail, it should be understood that thevarious changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made heretowithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for linking between a first informationcommunication device and a second information communication device inwireless communication, the method comprising: transmitting, by thefirst information communication device, information for a connection ofwireless communication, the information for a connection of wirelesscommunication being a Service Set Identifier (SSID) for connectionoperation which includes an SSID for normal operation, an operationmode, a presence or an absence of passkey which is a password forauthentication, and an identifier of a device which executes the accesspoint function, the information being of the first informationcommunication device executing any one of a station function and anaccess point function of wireless communication, to the secondinformation communication device executing the other function at requestof the second information communication device to transmit theinformation, storing, by the second information communication device, areceived information on a storage of the second informationcommunication device when receiving the transmitted information,requesting, by the first information communication device, the secondinformation communication device to transmit the information whenreceiving a notification of receipt of the transmitted information fromthe second information communication device, and storing, by the firstinformation communication device, the received information on a storageof the first information communication device when receiving theinformation of the second information communication device as a responseto the request to transmit the information.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the first information communication device executes theaccess point function while the second information communication deviceexecutes the station function.
 3. The method according to claim 1,further comprising generating, by the second information communicationdevice, an encryption key using the SSID for connection operation and aspecific condition when receiving the SSID for connection operation, andstoring, by the second information communication device, the SSID forconnection operation and the encryption key in a storage.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 3, further comprising transmitting, by the secondinformation communication device, a connection request to which theencryption key is added to the first information communication device toexecute authentication and registration with the first informationcommunication device.
 5. The method according to claim 2, furthercomprising the second information communication device, extracting theSSID for normal operation from the SSID for connection operation,deleting the SSID for connection operation from the storage after theauthentication and registration with the first information communicationdevice, disconnecting the wireless communication with the firstinformation communication device, and searching for a counterpart ofcommunication using the SSID for normal operation.
 6. A system forlinking between information communication devices in wirelesscommunication, the system including: a first information communicationdevice including: a first storage that stores information for aconnection of wireless communication, a first transmission unit thattransmits information for a connection of wireless communication, theinformation being of the first information communication deviceexecuting any one of a station function and an access point function andstored on the first storage, to a second information communicationdevice executing the other function at request of the second informationcommunication device to transmit the information, an information requestunit that requests the second information communication device totransmit the information when receiving a notification of receipt of theinformation transmitted by the first transmission unit from the secondinformation communication device, and a first information storing unitthat, when receiving the information of the second informationcommunication device as a response to the transmission request of theinformation request unit, stores the received information on the firststorage; and the second information communication device including: asecond storage that stores information for a connection of wirelesscommunication, a second information storing unit that, when receivingthe information transmitted by the first transmission unit, stores thereceived information of the first information communication device onthe second storage, and a second transmission unit that transmits to thefirst information communication device the information of the secondinformation communication device stored on the second storage at requestof the information request unit to transmit the information; wherein theinformation for a connection of wireless communication is a Service SetIdentifier (SSID) for connection operation which includes an SSID fornormal operation, an operation mode, a presence or an absence of passkeywhich is a password for authentication, and an identifier of a devicewhich executes the access point function.
 7. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having stored therein a program causingfirst and second information communication devices to execute a processcomprising: transmitting, by the first information communication device,information for a connection of wireless communication, the informationfor a connection of wireless communication being a Service SetIdentifier (SSID) for connection operation which includes an SSID fornormal operation, an operation mode, a presence or an absence of passkeywhich is a password for authentication, and an identifier of a devicewhich executes the access point function, the information being of thefirst information communication device executing any one of a stationfunction and an access point function of wireless communication, to thesecond information communication device executing the other function atrequest of the second information communication device to transmit theinformation, storing, by the second information communication device, areceived information on a storage of the second informationcommunication device when receiving the transmitted information,requesting, by the first information communication device, the secondinformation communication device to transmit the information whenreceiving a notification of receipt of the transmitted information fromthe second information communication device, and storing, by the firstinformation communication device, the received information on a storageof the first information communication device when receiving theinformation of the second information communication device as a responseto the request to transmit the information.